Can Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Live Together?

Both Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) are semi-aggressive species with an aggression score of 8/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Both Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and 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.

Worth noting: Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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.

The pH requirements of Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) (6.5–7.5) and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

To house Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) 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.

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: Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Sand (Sifters), Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

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

Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark) and Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.