Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Ghost Shrimp Live Together?

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

Yes, Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Ghost Shrimp are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)

Pareutropius buffei

Ghost Shrimp

Palaemonetes paludosus

🐠Family Group
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Catfish
Ghost Shrimp
Invertebrates
Temperament
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Peaceful (2/10)
Ghost Shrimp
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
24–28°C
Ghost Shrimp
18–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
6–7.5
Ghost Shrimp
6.5–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
5–15
Ghost Shrimp
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Freshwater Only
Ghost Shrimp
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Moderate
Ghost Shrimp
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
110 L
Ghost Shrimp
19 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
MiddleTop
Ghost Shrimp
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Ghost Shrimp
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Ghost Shrimp?

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)
Ghost Shrimp
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

In terms of spatial distribution, Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) zones, whereas Ghost Shrimp occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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 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 Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Ghost Shrimp 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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 Ghost Shrimp 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 Ghost Shrimp.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Ghost Shrimp live together?

Yes. Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Ghost Shrimp 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 Ghost Shrimp 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 Ghost Shrimp 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 Ghost Shrimp aggressive?

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

What pH do Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Ghost Shrimp 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.

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

Related Comparisons

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) & Channel Catfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish): PeacefulChannel Catfish: Peaceful

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) & Dwarf Cory (Tailspot Cory)

·

Possible with Caution
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish): PeacefulDwarf Cory (Tailspot Cory): Peaceful

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) & Dwarf Petricola

·

Possible with Caution
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish): PeacefulDwarf Petricola: Peaceful

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) & Glass Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish): PeacefulGlass Catfish: Peaceful

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) & Golden Oto

·

Possible with Caution
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish): PeacefulGolden Oto: Peaceful

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) & Iridescent Shark

·

Possible with Caution
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish): PeacefulIridescent Shark: Peaceful

Ghost Shrimp & Apple Snail

·

Possible with Caution
Ghost Shrimp: PeacefulApple Snail: Peaceful

Ghost Shrimp & Assassin Snail

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Ghost Shrimp: PeacefulAssassin Snail: Peaceful

Ghost Shrimp & Bee Shrimp

·

Possible with Caution
Ghost Shrimp: PeacefulBee Shrimp: Peaceful

Ghost Shrimp & Bee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black)

·

Possible with Caution
Ghost Shrimp: PeacefulBee Shrimp (Crystal Red / Black): Peaceful

Ghost Shrimp & Bladder Snail (Pest Snail)

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Ghost Shrimp: PeacefulBladder Snail (Pest Snail): Peaceful

Ghost Shrimp & Blue Pearl Shrimp

·

Ideal Tank Mates
Ghost Shrimp: PeacefulBlue Pearl Shrimp: Peaceful