Can Banjo Catfish and Guppy Live Together?
Keeping Banjo Catfish and Guppy together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 60 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Banjo Catfish and Guppy?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Both Banjo Catfish and Guppy 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 Guppy occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Banjo Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.
To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.
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 7 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–20 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Banjo Catfish and Guppy together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 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: 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 Guppy.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Banjo Catfish and Guppy live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 60 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do Banjo Catfish and Guppy need?
A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Guppy 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 Banjo Catfish or Guppy aggressive?
Banjo Catfish is peaceful (1/10) and Guppy is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Banjo Catfish and Guppy need?
Both species overlap in the 7–8 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.
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