Can Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated April 28, 2026
Not Recommended

Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Glass Catfish

Kryptopterus vitreolus

White Cloud Mountain Minnow

Tanichthys albonubes

🐠Family Group
Glass Catfish
Catfish
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Cyprinids
Temperament
Glass Catfish
Peaceful (1/10)
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Glass Catfish
24–28°C
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
14–22°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
6–7
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
1–10
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
5–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Freshwater Only
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Glass Catfish
Moderate
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Glass Catfish
110 L
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
38 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Glass Catfish
Middle
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Glass Catfish
Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Fry Predator
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow?

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
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow 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 White Cloud Mountain Minnow 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: White Cloud Mountain Minnow is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Glass Catfish (24–28°C) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow (14–22°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

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 Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 Usually Fails in Practice

Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow 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 White Cloud Mountain Minnow together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Glass Catfish requires 24–28°C, while White Cloud Mountain Minnow needs 14–22°C.

Are Glass Catfish or White Cloud Mountain Minnow aggressive?

Glass Catfish is peaceful (1/10) and White Cloud Mountain Minnow is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Glass Catfish and White Cloud Mountain Minnow 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

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