Can Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) are not recommended as tank mates due to piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates.. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Dourada

Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)

Melanoides tuberculata

🐠Family Group
Dourada
Catfish
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Invertebrates
Temperament
Dourada
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Dourada
24–29°C
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
18–32°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Dourada
6–7.5
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Dourada
2–15
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
8–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Dourada
Freshwater Only
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✗ No overlap
Dourada
High
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 15000 L
Dourada
15000 L
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
5 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Dourada
MiddleBottom
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Dourada
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Plant Destroyer
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)?

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.

Dourada
Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Dourada is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Dourada may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

There is a critical concern: the Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish) behaviour of one fish directly conflicts with the Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk) trait of the other — piscivorous fish will prey on nano-sized tank mates..

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters. Also, Dourada 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 29°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°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 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 15000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Soil / Nutrient Rich. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dourada requires Sand (Sifters), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Dourada requires Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) requires Soil / Nutrient Rich. These substrate types may be difficult to provide simultaneously. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Dourada prefers High (River/Stream) flow while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) needs Low (Still Water) flow. Consider positioning filter outlets and using baffles to create zones of different current intensity within the same tank.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) live together?

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

What size tank do Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need?

A minimum of 15000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 29°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Dourada or Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) aggressive?

Dourada is moderately assertive (6/10) and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Dourada and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Does Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) during evening hours.

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?
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