Can Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

Glowlight Tetra

Hemigrammus erythrozonus

🐠Family Group
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Glowlight Tetra
Characins
Temperament
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Glowlight Tetra
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
Glowlight Tetra
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
6–7
Glowlight Tetra
5.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
1–10
Glowlight Tetra
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Glowlight Tetra
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Glowlight Tetra
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Glowlight Tetra
40 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Glass Catfish
Middle
Glowlight Tetra
Middle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Glowlight Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra?

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.

Glass Catfish
Glowlight Tetra
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra 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.

Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra 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 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 2–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra 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. 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.

Why This Pairing Works in Practice

Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra work best when the tank gives each fish enough room to use its preferred level of the aquarium and enough cover to avoid constant visual contact. The score matters, but the real-world success usually comes from matching their pace, keeping water stable, and resisting the urge to crowd the tank just because the pair looks safe on paper.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra live together?

Yes. Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra 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 Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra 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 Glass Catfish or Glowlight Tetra aggressive?

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

What pH do Glass Catfish and Glowlight Tetra need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7 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
April 28, 2026
Last updated
April 28, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

Related Comparisons