Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer 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 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)

Pareutropius buffei

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei

🐠Family Group
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Catfish
Endler's Livebearer
Livebearers
Temperament
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Peaceful (2/10)
Endler's Livebearer
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
24–28°C
Endler's Livebearer
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
6–7.5
Endler's Livebearer
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
5–15
Endler's Livebearer
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Freshwater Only
Endler's Livebearer
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Moderate
Endler's Livebearer
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
110 L
Endler's Livebearer
19 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
MiddleTop
Endler's Livebearer
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Endler's Livebearer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer?

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)
Endler's Livebearer
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Endler's Livebearer is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) may occasionally assert dominance over Endler's Livebearer.

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) 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: 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 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 Endler's Livebearer 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.

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: Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer live together?

Yes. Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer 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 Endler's Livebearer aggressive?

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is peaceful (2/10) and Endler's Livebearer is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Endler's Livebearer need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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