Can Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 7, 2026
Not Recommended

Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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

Piraiba

Brachyplatystoma filamentosum

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)

Cynotilapia sp. 'hara'

🐠Family Group
Piraiba
Catfish
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Piraiba
Aggressive (7/10)
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Piraiba
24–29°C
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Piraiba
6–7.5
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Piraiba
2–15
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Piraiba
Freshwater Only
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Piraiba
High
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 30000 L
Piraiba
30000 L
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Piraiba
MiddleBottom
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Piraiba
Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Aggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)?

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.

Piraiba
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) are semi-aggressive species with an aggression score of 7/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.

Both Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) are highly aggressive, increasing the risk of violent confrontations.

Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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: Piraiba 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 Piraiba (6–7.5) and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) (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 Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 30000 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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

Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) live together?

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

What size tank do Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) need?

A minimum of 30000 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 Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 Piraiba or White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) aggressive?

Piraiba is semi-aggressive (7/10) and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) is semi-aggressive (7/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Piraiba and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Piraiba prefers 6–7.5, while White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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

Related Comparisons

Piraiba & Chao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark)

·

Possible with Caution
Piraiba: PeacefulChao Phraya Giant Catfish (Paroon Shark): Peaceful

Piraiba & Dourada

·

Possible with Caution
Piraiba: PeacefulDourada: Peaceful

Piraiba & Adonis Pleco

·

Possible with Caution
Piraiba: PeacefulAdonis Pleco: Peaceful

Piraiba & Asian Upside Down Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
Piraiba: PeacefulAsian Upside Down Catfish: Peaceful

Piraiba & Bullseye Catfish

·

Possible with Caution
Piraiba: PeacefulBullseye Catfish: Peaceful

Piraiba & Colombian Shark Catfish (Brackish)

·

Not Recommended
Piraiba: PeacefulColombian Shark Catfish (Brackish): Peaceful

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) & Afra Cichlid

·

Possible with Caution
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef): PeacefulAfra Cichlid: Peaceful

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) & African Jewel Cichlid

·

Not Recommended
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef): PeacefulAfrican Jewel Cichlid: Peaceful

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) & Altolamprologus Calvus

·

Possible with Caution
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef): PeacefulAltolamprologus Calvus: Peaceful

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) & Altolamprologus Compressiceps

·

Possible with Caution
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef): PeacefulAltolamprologus Compressiceps: Peaceful

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) & Auratus Cichlid (Mbuna)

·

Possible with Caution
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef): PeacefulAuratus Cichlid (Mbuna): Peaceful

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) & Aurora Yellow Mbuna

·

Possible with Caution
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef): PeacefulAurora Yellow Mbuna: Peaceful