Can Banjo Catfish and Glass Catfish Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Banjo Catfish and Glass Catfish are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Banjo Catfish

Bunocephalus coracoideus

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

🐟Family Group
Banjo Catfish
Catfish
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Banjo Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Banjo Catfish
20–28°C
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Banjo Catfish
6–8
Glass Catfish
6–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Banjo Catfish
2–20
Glass Catfish
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Banjo Catfish
Freshwater Only
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Banjo Catfish
Low
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Banjo Catfish
60 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Banjo Catfish
Bottom
Glass Catfish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Banjo Catfish
NocturnalShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Banjo Catfish and 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.

Banjo Catfish
Glass Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Banjo Catfish and Glass Catfish are peaceful species with an aggression score of 1/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

In terms of spatial distribution, Banjo Catfish prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Glass Catfish occupies the Middle (Open Water) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Banjo Catfish 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 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Banjo Catfish and 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.

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: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Banjo Catfish and Glass Catfish.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Banjo Catfish and Glass Catfish live together?

Yes. Banjo Catfish 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 Banjo Catfish and 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 Banjo Catfish 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 Banjo Catfish or Glass Catfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Banjo Catfish and Glass Catfish need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Banjo Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Banjo Catfish 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 Banjo Catfish during evening hours.


Related Comparisons