A highly active, diurnal schooling catfish native to West African rivers. Unlike most bottom-dwelling catfish, they continuously swim in the mid-to-upper water column. While often sold in the trade as 'P. debauwi', virtually all specimens are actually 'P. buffei' (distinguished by having three lateral stripes instead of one). They are peaceful, require highly oxygenated water with moderate flow, and absolutely must be kept in groups.
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) At a Glance
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Tank Requirements
Will Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Water Parameters
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Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Temperament & Compatibility
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type form. As obligate schoolers, keeping fewer than 6 will result in severe stress, hiding, and a weakened immune system. In a proper group, they are extremely bold and active.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Striped African Glass Catfish
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Care Guide Summary
The Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish), scientifically known as Pareutropius buffei, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 8 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is typically available in one standard form.
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, shy or slow-feeding tankmates may be outcompeted at feeding time and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish).
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
How big does Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) get?
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) (Pareutropius buffei) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 8 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) need?
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) peaceful or aggressive?
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) should be kept together?
Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Dainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
Ideal Tank MatesIncolicana Corydoras
Corydoras incolicana
Ideal Tank MatesEmerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesDuplicareus Corydoras
Corydoras duplicareus
Ideal Tank MatesLoxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Corydoras loxozonus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
These plants pair well with Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Debauwi Catfish (Three-Striped Glass Catfish)
False Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
A fascinating, semi-transparent schooling catfish from Southeast Asia. Unlike the more common Ghost Catfish, this species has distinct stripes or mottling along its body. They are incredibly peaceful but timid, requiring heavily planted blackwater setups with dim lighting and a large shoal to feel secure.
Glass Catfish
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A highly unique, completely transparent catfish from Thailand. Unlike most catfish, they are mid-water swimmers that require being kept in schools to feel secure. They are incredibly peaceful and easily outcompeted for food. They require stable water parameters and dim lighting or shaded areas provided by floating plants.
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Barred Rainbowfish
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A robust, active, and highly colorful schooling fish native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of New Guinea. They are named for the distinctive vertical black bars on their lower flanks. As highly active swimmers that do best in hard, alkaline water, they require a spacious, long aquarium (minimum 4 feet) with strong oxygenation and plenty of open swimming space.
White Cloud Mountain Minnow
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A hardy, peaceful, and active schooling fish famous for its ability to thrive in unheated, sub-tropical aquariums. Native to the mountain streams of China, they feature a bronze body with a striking neon-like lateral stripe and red-tipped fins. They are strictly schooling fish and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display their best colors.
Harlequin Rasbora
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A highly popular, peaceful schooling fish recognizable by its metallic copper/orange body and the distinct black triangular 'porkchop' patch on its hindquarters. Originating from peat swamps and blackwater streams in Southeast Asia, they are active swimmers that thrive in heavily planted aquariums with gentle to moderate water flow.