Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Marlier's Julie Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Marlier's Julie are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)

Pareutropius buffei

Marlier's Julie

Julidochromis marlieri

🐠Family Group
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Catfish
Marlier's Julie
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Peaceful (2/10)
Marlier's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
24–28°C
Marlier's Julie
23–27°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
6–7.5
Marlier's Julie
8.2–9.3
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
5–15
Marlier's Julie
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Freshwater Only
Marlier's Julie
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Moderate
Marlier's Julie
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 114 L
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
110 L
Marlier's Julie
114 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
MiddleTop
Marlier's Julie
BottomMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Marlier's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

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

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)
Marlier's Julie
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Marlier's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Marlier's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish).

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Marlier's Julie 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: 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) (6–7.5) and Marlier's Julie (8.2–9.3) 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.

Tank Setup

To house Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Marlier's Julie together, plan for an aquarium of at least 114 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, Sand (Sifters). 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Marlier's Julie 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.

Suitable Tank Sizes

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

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Marlier's Julie live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Marlier's Julie need?

A minimum of 114 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 Marlier's Julie together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) or Marlier's Julie aggressive?

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is peaceful (2/10) and Marlier's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

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

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) prefers 6–7.5, while Marlier's Julie needs 8.2–9.3. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Marlier's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Marlier's Julie space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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