Can Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Gulper Catfish

Asterophysus batrachus

Milomo Hap (Super VC10)

Placidochromis milomo

🐠Family Group
Gulper Catfish
Catfish
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Gulper Catfish
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Gulper Catfish
24–28°C
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Gulper Catfish
6–7.5
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Gulper Catfish
2–15
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Gulper Catfish
Freshwater Only
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Gulper Catfish
Moderate
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Gulper Catfish
250 L
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
450 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Gulper Catfish
BottomMiddle
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Gulper Catfish
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)NocturnalShrimp EaterFry Predator
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10)?

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.

Gulper Catfish
Milomo Hap (Super VC10)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) are moderately assertive species with an aggression score of 6/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) and 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.

Worth noting: Gulper Catfish is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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.

The pH requirements of Gulper Catfish (6–7.5) and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) (7.8–8.6) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 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: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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

Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) 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 Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) 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 Gulper Catfish or Milomo Hap (Super VC10) aggressive?

Gulper Catfish is moderately assertive (6/10) and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) is moderately assertive (6/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Gulper Catfish and Milomo Hap (Super VC10) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Gulper Catfish prefers 6–7.5, while Milomo Hap (Super VC10) needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Milomo Hap (Super VC10)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Milomo Hap (Super VC10) space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.

Does Gulper Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Gulper Catfish is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Gulper Catfish during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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