Can Flyspeck Hardyhead and Glass Catfish Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Flyspeck Hardyhead and Glass Catfish together is possible but requires caution due to potential behavioral clashes. Provide a spacious tank of at least 110 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Flyspeck Hardyhead

Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

🐠Family Group
Flyspeck Hardyhead
Other
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Flyspeck Hardyhead
Peaceful (1/10)
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Flyspeck Hardyhead
22–28°C
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Flyspeck Hardyhead
6–8
Glass Catfish
6–7
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Flyspeck Hardyhead
5–15
Glass Catfish
1–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Flyspeck Hardyhead
Freshwater Only
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Flyspeck Hardyhead
Moderate
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Flyspeck Hardyhead
75 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Flyspeck Hardyhead
TopMiddle
Glass Catfish
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Flyspeck Hardyhead
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Flyspeck Hardyhead 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.

Flyspeck Hardyhead
Glass Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Flyspeck Hardyhead and Glass Catfish are peaceful species with an aggression score of 1/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Flyspeck Hardyhead 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: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Flyspeck Hardyhead is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

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 5–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Flyspeck Hardyhead 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.

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, Established Algae (Otocinclus), Plants - Floating. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Flyspeck Hardyhead and Glass Catfish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Flyspeck Hardyhead and Glass Catfish live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 110 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Flyspeck Hardyhead 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 Flyspeck Hardyhead 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 Flyspeck Hardyhead or Glass Catfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Flyspeck Hardyhead 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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