๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โŒ Not Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 32/100
32/100 โ€” Not Compatible

Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid Compatibility Overview

Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

Compatibility factors for Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid
FactorGlass CatfishSeverum CichlidVerdict
Temperature68โ€“79ยฐF72โ€“84ยฐFโœ… 72โ€“79ยฐF
pH Range4.0โ€“7.05.5โ€“7.0โœ… 5.5โ€“7.0
Temperamentpeacefulsemiโš ๏ธ Monitor
Adult Size2.6 in11.8 inโŒ 5ร— difference
Min. Group6+1+See below
Min. Tank Size100 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

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

Incompatibility Reasons

The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.

Species Profiles

Glass Catfish โ€” Kryptopterus vitreolus

Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid 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

Severum Cichlid โ€” Heros efasciatus

Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid compatibility โ€” Severum Cichlid

The Severum Cichlid, known for its vibrant colors and peaceful nature, is a popular choice for freshwater aquariums. They have a lifespan of around 5 years and require a minimum tank size of 80 liters. These fish are not schooling fish but are known to be gentle and compatible with a variety of tank mates.

โ†’ Full Severum Cichlid care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Glass Catfish live with Severum Cichlid?

Generally not recommended. Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.

What tank size do I need for Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid together?

A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid?

72โ€“79ยฐF โ€” inside Glass Catfish's 68โ€“79ยฐF and Severum Cichlid's 72โ€“84ยฐF.

Is a Glass Catfish aggressive toward a Severum Cichlid?

The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Glass Catfish and Severum Cichlid

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

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable100 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community150 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup220 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.