Can Brown Hoplo Catfish and False Glass Catfish Live Together?
Keeping Brown Hoplo Catfish and False Glass Catfish together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 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 Brown Hoplo Catfish 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.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Behaviour & Temperament
Both Brown Hoplo Catfish and False Glass Catfish are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
Brown Hoplo Catfish 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.
Worth noting: Brown Hoplo Catfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
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 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 4–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Tank Setup
To house Brown Hoplo Catfish and False Glass Catfish 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.
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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Brown Hoplo Catfish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with False Glass Catfish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
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 Brown Hoplo Catfish and False Glass Catfish.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Feeding products to consider
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Brown Hoplo Catfish and False Glass Catfish live together?
They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
What size tank do Brown Hoplo Catfish and False Glass Catfish need?
A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Brown Hoplo Catfish 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 Brown Hoplo Catfish or False Glass Catfish aggressive?
Brown Hoplo Catfish is peaceful (2/10) and False Glass Catfish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Brown Hoplo Catfish and False 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.
Related Comparisons
Brown Hoplo Catfish & Black Marble Hoplo
·
Brown Hoplo Catfish & Midnight Catfish
·
Brown Hoplo Catfish & Banjo Catfish
·
Brown Hoplo Catfish & Black Fin Cory
·
Brown Hoplo Catfish & Channel Catfish
·
Brown Hoplo Catfish & Dwarf Cory (Tailspot Cory)
·
False Glass Catfish & Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
·
False Glass Catfish & Dwarf Petricola
·
False Glass Catfish & Glass Catfish
·
False Glass Catfish & Golden Oto
·
False Glass Catfish & Incolicana Corydoras
·
False Glass Catfish & Iridescent Shark
·