Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. 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

Ajamaru Rainbowfish

Melanotaenia ajamaruensis

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)

Pangasius sanitwongsei

🐠Family Group
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Catfish
Temperament
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
24–28Β°C
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
24–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
7.2–8.5
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
8–20
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
2–15
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Moderate
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 15000 L
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
150 L
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
15000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
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 Ajamaru Rainbowfish 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.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) may occasionally assert dominance over Ajamaru Rainbowfish.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) 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.

Worth noting: Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.2 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 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Ajamaru Rainbowfish 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: Plants - Densely covered, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish 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 Ajamaru Rainbowfish 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 Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 28Β°C. A target of around 26.0Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Ajamaru Rainbowfish or Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) aggressive?

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is semi-aggressive (8/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) need?

Both species overlap in the 7.2–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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