Keeping Painted Turtles and Plecos Together in a Pond

Compatibility Overview

Painted turtles may eat small fish, but adult plecos are usually safe due to their defensive spines. However, plecos are tropical; they die below 50°F. In cold climates, they must be moved indoors for winter.

Algae Control Realities

Plecos eat green attached algae but ignore hair algae and cannot consume suspended green water algae. They are not a cure-all for algae problems. A holistic approach—plants, filtration, bacteria, barley straw—is still needed.

Useful Resources

• Painted Turtle Care
• Turtle Pond Design
• Pleco Information
• Pond Algae Control