Can False Glass Catfish and Glass Catfish Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, False Glass Catfish and Glass 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 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

False Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus macrocephalus

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

🐟Family Group
False Glass Catfish
Catfish
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
False Glass Catfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
22–28°C
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
5–7
Glass Catfish
6–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
1–8
Glass Catfish
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
Low
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
False Glass Catfish
110 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
False Glass Catfish
Middle
Glass Catfish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
False Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorShrimp Eater
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle False Glass Catfish and 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.

False Glass Catfish
Glass Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

False Glass Catfish and 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.

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 6 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 1–8 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house False Glass Catfish and 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 low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both False Glass Catfish and Glass Catfish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can False Glass Catfish and Glass Catfish live together?

Yes. False Glass Catfish and Glass Catfish are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do False Glass Catfish and 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 False Glass Catfish and Glass Catfish 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 False Glass Catfish or Glass Catfish aggressive?

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

What pH do False Glass Catfish and Glass Catfish need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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