Can Bamboo Shrimp and Glass Catfish Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Bamboo Shrimp 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

Bamboo Shrimp

Atyopsis moluccensis

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

🐠Family Group
Bamboo Shrimp
Invertebrates
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Bamboo Shrimp
Peaceful (0/10)
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
22–28°C
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
6.5–7.5
Glass Catfish
6–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
6–15
Glass Catfish
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bamboo Shrimp
High
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Bamboo Shrimp
75 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bamboo Shrimp
MiddleBottom
Glass Catfish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bamboo Shrimp
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator

Behaviour & Temperament

Bamboo Shrimp is a peaceful species (0/10), while Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Glass Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Bamboo Shrimp.

Bamboo Shrimp 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: Bamboo Shrimp 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 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 6–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bamboo Shrimp 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bamboo Shrimp and Glass Catfish live together?

Yes. Bamboo Shrimp 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 Bamboo Shrimp 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 Bamboo Shrimp 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 Bamboo Shrimp or Glass Catfish aggressive?

Bamboo Shrimp is peaceful (0/10) and Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bamboo Shrimp and 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.


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