Discus and Glass Catfish Compatibility Overview
Discus and Glass Catfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF and Glass Catfish needs 68โ79ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Discus | Glass Catfish | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82โ88ยฐF | 68โ79ยฐF | โ No overlap |
| pH Range | 5.0โ7.0 | 4.0โ7.0 | โ 5.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 8 in | 2.6 in | โ ๏ธ 3.1ร difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Discus โ Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' โ beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Glass Catfish โ Kryptopterus vitreolus
The Glass Catfish, Kryptopterus vitreolus, is a popular freshwater aquarium fish known for its unique, translucent body and iridescent scales. It is a peaceful species that thrives in groups and is suitable for beginners due to its hardy nature. These catfish are bottom-dwellers and require a well-decorated tank with plenty of swimming space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Discus live with Glass Catfish?
Generally not recommended. Discus and Glass Catfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF and Glass Catfish needs 68โ79ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Discus and Glass Catfish together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Discus and Glass Catfish together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Discus and Glass Catfish?
There is no safe shared range: Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF and Glass Catfish needs 68โ79ยฐF.
Is a Discus aggressive toward a Glass Catfish?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Discus and Glass Catfish
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |