Can Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish Live Together?
Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.
At a Glance
Behaviour & Temperament
Flowerhorn Cichlid is a highly aggressive species (10/10), while Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10). This notable difference means Flowerhorn Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Glass Catfish.
Large aggression gap (9 points) between Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.
Flowerhorn Cichlid 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.
Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Aggressive fish may bully and stress shy, slow-moving species.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 26°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 27.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Flowerhorn Cichlid (7.4–8) and Glass Catfish (6–7) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.
For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 9–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.
Tank Setup
To house Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 336 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.
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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Flowerhorn Cichlid is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Glass Catfish's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Find the right tank equipment
Browse tanks, décor, and equipment suited for this setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish live together?▾
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish need?▾
A minimum of 336 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish together?▾
Keep the aquarium between 26°C and 28°C. A target of around 27.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Flowerhorn Cichlid or Glass Catfish aggressive?▾
Flowerhorn Cichlid is highly aggressive (10/10) and Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Flowerhorn Cichlid and Glass Catfish need?▾
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Flowerhorn Cichlid prefers 7.4–8, while Glass Catfish needs 6–7. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Flowerhorn Cichlid's territorial behaviour?▾
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Flowerhorn Cichlid space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
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