Can Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 4000 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)

Pangasius nasutus

🐟Family Group
Channel Catfish
Catfish
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Catfish
Temperament
Channel Catfish
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Channel Catfish
10–30°C
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Channel Catfish
6–8
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Channel Catfish
4–25
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Channel Catfish
Freshwater Only
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Channel Catfish
Moderate
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 4000 L
Channel Catfish
3800 L
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
4000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Channel Catfish
BottomMiddle
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Channel Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)?

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.

Channel Catfish
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 4/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and 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: Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 7.5. 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.

Tank Setup

To house Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 4000 litres with a minimum length of 300 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). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) live together?

Yes. Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

A minimum of 4000 litres (tank length at least 300 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 Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 Channel Catfish or Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) aggressive?

Channel Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10) and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Channel Catfish and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


Related Comparisons

Channel Catfish & Bullseye Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
Channel Catfish: PeacefulBullseye Catfish: Peaceful

Channel Catfish & Cuckoo Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
Channel Catfish: PeacefulCuckoo Catfish: Peaceful

Channel Catfish & Domino Synodontis

·

Possible with Caution
Channel Catfish: PeacefulDomino Synodontis: Peaceful

Channel Catfish & Dwarf Petricola

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Channel Catfish: PeacefulDwarf Petricola: Peaceful

Channel Catfish & Featherfin Squeaker

·

Possible with Caution
Channel Catfish: PeacefulFeatherfin Squeaker: Peaceful

Channel Catfish & Gulper Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
Channel Catfish: PeacefulGulper Catfish: Peaceful

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) & Lima Shovelnose Catfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius): PeacefulLima Shovelnose Catfish: Peaceful

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) & Pictus Catfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius): PeacefulPictus Catfish: Peaceful

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) & Shortbarbel Pangasius

·

Possible with Caution
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius): PeacefulShortbarbel Pangasius: Peaceful

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) & Spot Pangasius

·

Possible with Caution
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius): PeacefulSpot Pangasius: Peaceful

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) & Achara Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius): PeacefulAchara Catfish: Peaceful

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) & Alligator Pleco

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius): PeacefulAlligator Pleco: Peaceful