Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 110 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)

Pareutropius buffei

Dwarf Petricola

Synodontis lucipinnis

🐟Family Group
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Catfish
Dwarf Petricola
Catfish
Temperament
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Peaceful (2/10)
Dwarf Petricola
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
24–28°C
Dwarf Petricola
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
6–7.5
Dwarf Petricola
7.5–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
5–15
Dwarf Petricola
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Freshwater Only
Dwarf Petricola
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Moderate
Dwarf Petricola
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
110 L
Dwarf Petricola
80 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
MiddleTop
Dwarf Petricola
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Dwarf Petricola
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerNocturnalFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola?

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.

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Dwarf Petricola
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola 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.

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola 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.

Worth noting: Dwarf Petricola is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) 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 7.5 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 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 90 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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 110 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola 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 Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) or Dwarf Petricola aggressive?

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is peaceful (2/10) and Dwarf Petricola is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Dwarf Petricola need?

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

Does Dwarf Petricola being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Dwarf Petricola is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Dwarf Petricola during evening hours.


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