Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 150 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

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)

Pareutropius buffei

🐠Family Group
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Rainbowfish
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Catfish
Temperament
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
24–28°C
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
7.2–8.5
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
8–20
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Freshwater Only
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Moderate
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
150 L
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
TopMiddle
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
MiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Ajamaru Rainbowfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)?

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
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) both frequent the Top (Surface) 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: Ajamaru Rainbowfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°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 Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 litres with a minimum length of 90 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 — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish).

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 150 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) need?

A minimum of 150 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) together?

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

Are Ajamaru Rainbowfish or Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) aggressive?

Ajamaru Rainbowfish is peaceful (2/10) and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Ajamaru Rainbowfish and Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) need?

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


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