Can Pacific Sturgeon and Spot Pangasius Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Pacific Sturgeon and Spot 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

Spot Pangasius

Pangasius larnaudii

🐠Family Group
Pacific Sturgeon
Oddballs
Spot Pangasius
Catfish
Temperament
Pacific Sturgeon
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Spot Pangasius
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Pacific Sturgeon
10–22°C
Spot Pangasius
24–30°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
6.5–8
Spot Pangasius
6.5–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
4–20
Spot Pangasius
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
Brackish Tolerant
Spot Pangasius
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Pacific Sturgeon
High
Spot Pangasius
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 20000 L
Pacific Sturgeon
20000 L
Spot Pangasius
4000 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Pacific Sturgeon
Bottom
Spot Pangasius
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Pacific Sturgeon
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterSnail EaterAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Spot Pangasius
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Shrimp EaterHyperactive / Fast SwimmerShy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Jumper (Lid Required)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Pacific Sturgeon and Spot 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
Spot Pangasius
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Pacific Sturgeon and Spot Pangasius are generally mild-mannered species with an aggression score of 3/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Pacific Sturgeon and Spot 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion. Aggressive eaters may outcompete shy fish for food, leading to malnutrition.

Worth noting: Spot 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 Spot Pangasius (24–30°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 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Pacific Sturgeon and Spot 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 Spot 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.

Diet & Feeding

Feeding time deserves special attention with this pairing. Pacific Sturgeon is an aggressive eater that may prevent Spot Pangasius from getting enough food.

Because Pacific Sturgeon is a fast, competitive feeder, consider using sinking pellets or feeding at opposite ends of the setup to ensure Spot Pangasius receives an adequate share.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pacific Sturgeon and Spot 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 Spot 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 Spot Pangasius together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Pacific Sturgeon requires 10–22°C, while Spot Pangasius needs 24–30°C.

Are Pacific Sturgeon or Spot Pangasius aggressive?

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

What pH do Pacific Sturgeon and Spot 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?
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