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

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Pictus Catfish 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 200 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)

Pareutropius buffei

Pictus Catfish

Pimelodus pictus

🐟Family Group
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Catfish
Pictus Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Peaceful (2/10)
Pictus Catfish
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
24–28°C
Pictus Catfish
22–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
6–7.5
Pictus Catfish
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
5–15
Pictus Catfish
3–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Freshwater Only
Pictus Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Moderate
Pictus Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
110 L
Pictus Catfish
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
MiddleTop
Pictus Catfish
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Pictus Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterHyperactive / Fast SwimmerNocturnal
Stocking calculator

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

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)
Pictus Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is a peaceful species (2/10), while Pictus Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Pictus Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish).

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Pictus Catfish 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: Pictus Catfish 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 Pictus Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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), 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 Pictus Catfish.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) and Pictus Catfish 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 Pictus Catfish need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Pictus Catfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) or Pictus Catfish aggressive?

Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is peaceful (2/10) and Pictus Catfish is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

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

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Pictus Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Pictus Catfish 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 Pictus Catfish during evening hours.


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