Can Glass Catfish Live With Guppy?
Yes, glass catfishes and guppies share a tank well in 30 gallons or larger, and their different swim zones keep them out of each other's way.
Why
- Glass catfishes stay in the upper half of the water column and do not patrol the substrate, while guppies roam all levels but cluster near plants and surfaces.
- Both species prefer slightly alkaline water (pH 7.0-7.5) and temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s.
- Glass catfishes grow to 3-4 inches and are peaceful. Guppies are 1.5-2.5 inches. Size overlap is not an issue.
- Guppies are livebearers that breed readily, producing fry that glass catfishes may eat. Planted tanks with dense cover reduce fry predation.
What could go wrong
Glass catfishes are sensitive to water quality swings. Ammonia spikes from overfeeding or a new cycle will hit them harder than the guppies.
Gear for a shared tank
Sized for the 30 gallon minimum this pairing needs. Affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them.
AquaClear 70 Power Filter
Oversized filtration is what lets you stock two species together without water quality crashing. Rated for a tank slightly larger than the 30 gallon minimum.
Eheim Jager 200W Thermostat Heater
Holds a steady temperature inside the 72-79°F window both species need.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Keep ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate in check. Two-species tanks have more bioload and less margin for error than single-species setups.
Related compatibility questions
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