Can Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba 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

Endler's Livebearer

Poecilia wingei

Piraiba

Brachyplatystoma filamentosum

🐠Family Group
Endler's Livebearer
Livebearers
Piraiba
Catfish
Temperament
Endler's Livebearer
Peaceful (1/10)
Piraiba
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
22–28°C
Piraiba
24–29°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
7–8.5
Piraiba
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
10–25
Piraiba
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
Freshwater Only
Piraiba
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Endler's Livebearer
Moderate
Piraiba
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 30000 L
Endler's Livebearer
19 L
Piraiba
30000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Endler's Livebearer
TopMiddle
Piraiba
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Endler's Livebearer
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Piraiba
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba?

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
Piraiba
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Endler's Livebearer is a peaceful species (1/10), while Piraiba is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means Piraiba may occasionally assert dominance over Endler's Livebearer.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba 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.

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

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 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 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 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba together, plan for an aquarium of at least 30000 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba 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 Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba 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 Piraiba need?

A minimum of 30000 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 Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba 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 Endler's Livebearer or Piraiba aggressive?

Endler's Livebearer is peaceful (1/10) and Piraiba is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Endler's Livebearer and Piraiba 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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