Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 132 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Amazon Leaf Fish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

🐠Family Group
Amazon Leaf Fish
Other
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Amazon Leaf Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
23–29°C
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
5–6.8
Glass Catfish
6–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
0–8
Glass Catfish
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Freshwater Only
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Amazon Leaf Fish
Low
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Amazon Leaf Fish
75 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Amazon Leaf Fish
MiddleTop
Glass Catfish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Amazon Leaf Fish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterFry PredatorShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator

Behaviour & Temperament

Amazon Leaf Fish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Amazon Leaf Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Catfish.

Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish 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: Amazon Leaf Fish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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 6 and 6.8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 1–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 90 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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: Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish live together?

Yes. Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish need?

A minimum of 132 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 Amazon Leaf Fish and 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 Amazon Leaf Fish or Glass Catfish aggressive?

Amazon Leaf Fish is peaceful (2/10) and Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Amazon Leaf Fish and Glass Catfish need?

Both species overlap in the 6–6.8 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Amazon Leaf Fish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Amazon Leaf Fish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Amazon Leaf Fish during evening hours.


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