Can False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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

False Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus macrocephalus

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)

Datnioides polota

🐠Family Group
False Glass Catfish
Catfish
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Oddballs
Temperament
False Glass Catfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
22–28°C
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
5–7
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✗ No overlap
False Glass Catfish
1–8
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
False Glass Catfish
Low
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
False Glass Catfish
110 L
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
False Glass Catfish
Middle
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
False Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry PredatorShrimp Eater
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)?

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
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

False Glass Catfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) may occasionally assert dominance over False Glass Catfish.

False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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 7 and 7. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

Hardness requirements are incompatible: False Glass Catfish needs 1–8 dGH while Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) requires 10–25 dGH.

Tank Setup

To house False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 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, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Sand (Sifters). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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 False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) live together?

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

What size tank do False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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 Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) aggressive?

False Glass Catfish is peaceful (2/10) and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do False Glass Catfish and Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) 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?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons

False Glass Catfish & Black Marble Hoplo

·

Possible with Caution
False Glass Catfish: PeacefulBlack Marble Hoplo: Peaceful

False Glass Catfish & Brown Hoplo Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
False Glass Catfish: PeacefulBrown Hoplo Catfish: Peaceful

False Glass Catfish & Midnight Catfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
False Glass Catfish: PeacefulMidnight Catfish: Peaceful

False Glass Catfish & Banjo Catfish

·

Ideal Tank Mates
False Glass Catfish: PeacefulBanjo Catfish: Peaceful

False Glass Catfish & Black Fin Cory

·

Possible with Caution
False Glass Catfish: PeacefulBlack Fin Cory: Peaceful

False Glass Catfish & Channel Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
False Glass Catfish: PeacefulChannel Catfish: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & New Guinea Tigerfish

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulNew Guinea Tigerfish: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Silver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish)

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulSilver Tiger Perch (American Tigerfish): Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Thinbar Datnoid

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulThinbar Datnoid: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & African Arowana

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulAfrican Arowana: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Alligator Gar

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulAlligator Gar: Peaceful

Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish) & Black Ghost Knifefish

·

Possible with Caution
Silver Datnoid (Silver Tigerfish): PeacefulBlack Ghost Knifefish: Peaceful