Can Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. 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

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

Ramshorn Snail

Planorbidae fam.

🐠Family Group
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Ramshorn Snail
Invertebrates
Temperament
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Ramshorn Snail
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
Ramshorn Snail
15–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
6–7
Ramshorn Snail
7–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
1–10
Ramshorn Snail
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Ramshorn Snail
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Ramshorn Snail
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Ramshorn Snail
5 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Glass Catfish
Middle
Ramshorn Snail
BottomMiddleTop
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Ramshorn Snail
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail?

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
Ramshorn Snail
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Glass Catfish is a peaceful species (1/10), while Ramshorn Snail is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Glass Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Ramshorn Snail.

Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail 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.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail 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, Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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 Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail 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 Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail 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 Ramshorn Snail 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 Ramshorn Snail aggressive?

Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10) and Ramshorn Snail is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Glass Catfish and Ramshorn Snail need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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