Can Marlier's Julie and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Marlier's Julie 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

Marlier's Julie

Julidochromis marlieri

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)

Pangasius nasutus

🐠Family Group
Marlier's Julie
Cichlids - African
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Catfish
Temperament
Marlier's Julie
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Marlier's Julie
23–27°C
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Marlier's Julie
8.2–9.3
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Marlier's Julie
10–25
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Marlier's Julie
Freshwater Only
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Marlier's Julie
Moderate
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 4000 L
Marlier's Julie
114 L
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
4000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Marlier's Julie
BottomMiddle
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Marlier's Julie
Territorial (Defends specific area)Aggressive to same species/look-alikesDigger (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 Marlier's Julie 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.

Marlier's Julie
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Marlier's Julie is a moderately assertive species (6/10), while Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Marlier's Julie may occasionally assert dominance over Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius).

Marlier's Julie and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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: 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 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Marlier's Julie (8.2–9.3) 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 Marlier's Julie 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

Marlier's Julie 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 Marlier's Julie 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 Marlier's Julie 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 Marlier's Julie and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Marlier's Julie or Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) aggressive?

Marlier's Julie is moderately assertive (6/10) and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Marlier's Julie and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Marlier's Julie prefers 8.2–9.3, while Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) needs 6.5–7.5. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Marlier's Julie's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Marlier's Julie 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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