Can African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) together is possible but requires caution due to mismatched flow preferences. Provide a spacious tank of at least 15000 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)

Pangasius sanitwongsei

🐠Family Group
African Clawed Frog
Other
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Catfish
Temperament
African Clawed Frog
Aggressive (8/10)
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
16–24Β°C
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
24–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
6.5–8
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
5–20
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
2–15
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
Freshwater Only
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ— No overlap
African Clawed Frog
Low
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 15000 L
African Clawed Frog
75 L
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
15000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
African Clawed Frog
BottomMiddleTop
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
African Clawed Frog
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterSnail EaterFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerPlant DestroyerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

African Clawed Frog
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) are semi-aggressive species with an aggression score of 8/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Both African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: African Clawed Frog is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 24Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

African Clawed Frog prefers Low (Still Water) flow while Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) needs High (River/Stream) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 15000 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) need?

A minimum of 15000 litres (tank length at least 600 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 24Β°C. A target of around 24.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are African Clawed Frog or Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) aggressive?

African Clawed Frog is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is semi-aggressive (8/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do African Clawed Frog and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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