Can Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Kuhli Loach Live Together?

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Kuhli Loach is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) may occasionally assert dominance over Kuhli Loach.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Kuhli Loach increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Kuhli Loach both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) 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. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

Worth noting: Kuhli Loach is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) 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.

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

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 3–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Kuhli Loach together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Plants - Densely covered. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Kuhli Loach needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Kuhli Loach need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is an aggressive eater that may prevent Kuhli Loach from getting enough food.

Because Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Kuhli Loach receives an adequate share.