Can Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) 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

Pacific Sturgeon

Acipenser transmontanus

Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)

Pangasius nasutus

🐠Family Group
Pacific Sturgeon
Oddballs
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Catfish
Temperament
Pacific Sturgeon
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Mostly Peaceful (4/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Pacific Sturgeon
10–22°C
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
24–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
6.5–8
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
4–20
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
Brackish Tolerant
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
High
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 20000 L
Pacific Sturgeon
20000 L
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
4000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Pacific Sturgeon
Bottom
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Pacific Sturgeon
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterSnail EaterAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
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 Pacific Sturgeon 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.

Pacific Sturgeon
Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Pacific Sturgeon is a generally mild-mannered species (3/10), while Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). This modest difference means Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) may occasionally assert dominance over Pacific Sturgeon.

Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) both frequent the 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

There is no temperature overlap between Pacific Sturgeon (10–22°C) and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) (24–28°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 20000 litres with a minimum length of 600 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 high (river/stream) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Pacific Sturgeon 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 Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) live together?

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

What size tank do Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

A minimum of 20000 litres (tank length at least 600 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 Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Pacific Sturgeon requires 10–22°C, while Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) needs 24–28°C.

Are Pacific Sturgeon or Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) aggressive?

Pacific Sturgeon is generally mild-mannered (3/10) and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) is generally mild-mannered (4/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Pacific Sturgeon and Pangasius nasutus (Long-Nosed Pangasius) need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 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
May 7, 2026
Last updated
May 7, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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