Can False Glass Catfish and Loricaria lundbergi Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, False Glass Catfish and Loricaria lundbergi are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

False Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus macrocephalus

Loricaria lundbergi

Loricaria lundbergi

🐟Family Group
False Glass Catfish
Catfish
Loricaria lundbergi
Catfish
Temperament
False Glass Catfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Loricaria lundbergi
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
22–28°C
Loricaria lundbergi
25–29°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
5–7
Loricaria lundbergi
5–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
1–8
Loricaria lundbergi
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Loricaria lundbergi
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
Low
Loricaria lundbergi
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
False Glass Catfish
110 L
Loricaria lundbergi
110 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
False Glass Catfish
Middle
Loricaria lundbergi
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
False Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorShrimp Eater
Loricaria lundbergi
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Nocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle False Glass Catfish and Loricaria lundbergi?

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
Loricaria lundbergi
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Behaviour & Temperament

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

In terms of spatial distribution, False Glass Catfish prefers the Middle (Open Water) zone, whereas Loricaria lundbergi occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Loricaria lundbergi is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 25°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 5 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 Loricaria lundbergi 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, Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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 Loricaria lundbergi.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can False Glass Catfish and Loricaria lundbergi live together?

Yes. False Glass Catfish and Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi together?

Keep the aquarium between 25°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are False Glass Catfish or Loricaria lundbergi aggressive?

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

What pH do False Glass Catfish and Loricaria lundbergi need?

Both species overlap in the 5–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Loricaria lundbergi being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Loricaria lundbergi 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 Loricaria lundbergi during evening hours.


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