Can Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Possible with Caution

Keeping Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish together is possible but requires caution due to mismatched flow preferences. Provide a spacious tank of at least 110 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis moluccensis

False Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus macrocephalus

🐠Family Group
Bamboo Shrimp
Invertebrates
False Glass Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Bamboo Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
False Glass Catfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
22–28°C
False Glass Catfish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
6.5–7.5
False Glass Catfish
5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
6–15
False Glass Catfish
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
Freshwater Only
False Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Bamboo Shrimp
High
False Glass Catfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Bamboo Shrimp
75 L
False Glass Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bamboo Shrimp
MiddleBottom
False Glass Catfish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bamboo Shrimp
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
False Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorShrimp Eater
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Can your tank handle Bamboo Shrimp and False 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.

Bamboo Shrimp
False Glass Catfish
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Behaviour & Temperament

Bamboo Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while False Glass Catfish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means False Glass Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Bamboo Shrimp.

Bamboo Shrimp and False 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: Bamboo Shrimp is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 6–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Bamboo Shrimp prefers High (River/Stream) flow while False Glass Catfish needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Needs Extra Planning in Practice

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 110 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish need?

A minimum of 110 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 Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Bamboo Shrimp or False Glass Catfish aggressive?

Bamboo Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and False Glass Catfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bamboo Shrimp and False Glass Catfish need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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