Can False Glass Catfish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) Live Together?

False Glass Catfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means False Glass Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).

In terms of spatial distribution, False Glass Catfish prefers the Middle (Open Water) zone, whereas Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Shrimp eaters may also prey on very small nano fish.

Worth noting: Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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.

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

To house False Glass Catfish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) 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.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Leaf Litter/Blackwater, Sand (Sifters), Soil / Nutrient Rich. 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.

This pairing usually fails when the tank is treated like a standard mixed community and the caution flags are ignored. False Glass Catfish and Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS) need extra room, more cover, and closer observation during the first few weeks so small aggression, feeding, or territory issues do not snowball into a long-term problem.

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 Malaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS).