Can Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible hardness ranges. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei

False Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus macrocephalus

🐠Family Group
Endler's Livebearer
Livebearers
False Glass Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Endler's Livebearer
Peaceful (1/10)
False Glass Catfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
22–28°C
False Glass Catfish
22–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
7–8.5
False Glass Catfish
5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
Endler's Livebearer
10–25
False Glass Catfish
1–8
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
Freshwater Only
False Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
Moderate
False Glass Catfish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Endler's Livebearer
19 L
False Glass Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Endler's Livebearer
TopMiddle
False Glass Catfish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Endler's Livebearer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
False Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorShrimp Eater
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Endler's Livebearer and False Glass 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.

Endler's Livebearer
False Glass Catfish
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Behaviour & Temperament

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

Endler's Livebearer and False Glass 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Endler's Livebearer is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: Endler's Livebearer needs 10–25 dGH while False Glass Catfish requires 1–8 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish 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 Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. False Glass Catfish is a known shrimp eater and may prey on small invertebrates or nano fish like Endler's Livebearer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish live together?

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

What size tank do Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish 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 Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 28°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Endler's Livebearer or False Glass Catfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Endler's Livebearer and False Glass Catfish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7 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?
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