Can Brown Hoplo Catfish and Celebes Halfbeak Live Together?

Brown Hoplo Catfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Celebes Halfbeak is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Celebes Halfbeak may occasionally assert dominance over Brown Hoplo Catfish.

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

Worth noting: Brown Hoplo Catfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Brown Hoplo Catfish and Celebes Halfbeak together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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.