Can Glass Catfish and Twig Catfish (Farlowella) Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Glass Catfish and Twig Catfish (Farlowella) 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 132 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

Twig Catfish (Farlowella)

Farlowella acus

🐟Family Group
Glass Catfish
Catfish
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
Catfish
Temperament
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
23–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
6–7
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
6–7.2
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
1–10
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
3–10
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Moderate
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Glass Catfish
Middle
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
Twig Catfish (Farlowella)
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Glass Catfish and Twig Catfish (Farlowella) 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 Twig Catfish (Farlowella) 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 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°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 3–10 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range. An aquarium test kit is recommended for monitoring.

Tank Setup

To house Glass Catfish and Twig Catfish (Farlowella) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 90 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: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), 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.

Find the right tank equipment

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Catfish and Twig Catfish (Farlowella) live together?

Yes. Glass Catfish and Twig Catfish (Farlowella) 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 Twig Catfish (Farlowella) need?

A minimum of 132 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 Twig Catfish (Farlowella) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Glass Catfish or Twig Catfish (Farlowella) aggressive?

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

What pH do Glass Catfish and Twig Catfish (Farlowella) 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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