๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โŒ Not Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 0/100
0/100 โ€” Not Compatible

Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish Compatibility Overview

Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. One of these is a marine species and the other is not; they cannot share one aquarium. Their pH ranges do not meet: Firefish Goby wants 8.1โ€“8.4 and Glass Catfish wants 4.0โ€“7.0. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

Compatibility factors for Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish
FactorFirefish GobyGlass CatfishVerdict
Temperature72โ€“82ยฐF68โ€“79ยฐFโœ… 72โ€“79ยฐF
pH Range8.1โ€“8.44.0โ€“7.0โŒ No overlap
Temperamentpeacefulpeacefulโœ… Compatible
Adult Size3.0 in2.6 inโœ… Similar
Min. Group1+6+See below
Min. Tank Size20 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Incompatibility Reasons

One of these is a marine species and the other is not; they cannot share one aquarium.
Their pH ranges do not meet: Firefish Goby wants 8.1โ€“8.4 and Glass Catfish wants 4.0โ€“7.0.

Species Profiles

Firefish Goby โ€” Nemateleotris magnifica

Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish compatibility โ€” Firefish Goby

The Firefish Goby is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums due to its vibrant colors and peaceful nature. These goby fish thrive in well-maintained tanks with plenty of live rock for them to explore. They are best kept in pairs or small groups and can be a great addition to a community tank with compatible species.

โ†’ Full Firefish Goby care guide

Glass Catfish โ€” Kryptopterus vitreolus

Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish compatibility โ€” Glass Catfish

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.

โ†’ Full Glass Catfish care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Firefish Goby live with Glass Catfish?

Generally not recommended. Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish are generally not recommended to be housed together. One of these is a marine species and the other is not; they cannot share one aquarium. Their pH ranges do not meet: Firefish Goby wants 8.1โ€“8.4 and Glass Catfish wants 4.0โ€“7.0. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

What tank size do I need for Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish together?

A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish?

72โ€“79ยฐF โ€” inside Firefish Goby's 72โ€“82ยฐF and Glass Catfish's 68โ€“79ยฐF.

Is a Firefish Goby aggressive toward a Glass Catfish?

Firefish Goby is peaceful and Glass Catfish is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Firefish Goby and Glass Catfish

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable21 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community29 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup55 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.