Can Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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

Horei Cichlid

Ctenochromis horei

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)

Pangasius nasutus

🐠Family Group
Horei Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Catfish
Temperament
Horei Cichlid
Aggressive (8/10)
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
24–28°C
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Horei Cichlid
7.8–9
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
10–25
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Horei Cichlid
Moderate
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 4000 L
Horei Cichlid
208 L
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
4000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Horei Cichlid
MiddleBottom
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Horei Cichlid
Territorial (Defends specific area)Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesPiscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Fry Predator
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)?

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.

Horei Cichlid
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Horei Cichlid is a semi-aggressive species (8/10), while Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This notable difference means Horei Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius).

Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) both frequent the Middle (Open Water) and Bottom (Substrate) 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: Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

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 Horei Cichlid (7.8–9) and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) (6.5–7.5) 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 Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 4000 litres with a minimum length of 300 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). 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

Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) live together?

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

What size tank do Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

A minimum of 4000 litres (tank length at least 300 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 Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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 Horei Cichlid or Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) aggressive?

Horei Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10) and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Horei Cichlid and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Horei Cichlid prefers 7.8–9, while Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) needs 6.5–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Horei Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Horei Cichlid 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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