Can African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra Live Together?

Not Recommended

African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

🐠Family Group
African Clawed Frog
Other
Glowlight Tetra
Characins
Temperament
African Clawed Frog
Aggressive (8/10)
Glowlight Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
16–24°C
Glowlight Tetra
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
6.5–8
Glowlight Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
5–20
Glowlight Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
Freshwater Only
Glowlight Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
African Clawed Frog
Low
Glowlight Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
African Clawed Frog
75 L
Glowlight Tetra
40 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
African Clawed Frog
BottomMiddleTop
Glowlight Tetra
Middle
🏷️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)
Glowlight Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra?

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
Glowlight Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

African Clawed Frog is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means African Clawed Frog may occasionally assert dominance over Glowlight Tetra.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra both frequent the 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.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

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 23°C and 24°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°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 Glowlight Tetra together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: African Clawed Frog is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Glowlight Tetra's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra.

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Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. African Clawed Frog is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Glowlight Tetra. African Clawed Frog is an aggressive eater that may prevent Glowlight Tetra from getting enough food.

Because African Clawed Frog is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Glowlight Tetra receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Glowlight Tetra together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 24°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are African Clawed Frog or Glowlight Tetra aggressive?

African Clawed Frog is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Glowlight Tetra is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do African Clawed Frog and Glowlight Tetra need?

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


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