African Glass Catfish

Pareutropius debauwi

African Glass Catfish is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with African Glass Catfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm)
Aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–81°F (22–27°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–27 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

African Glass Catfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, African Glass Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Eyed Congo Tetra Phenacogrammus aurantiacus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Bandtail Tetra Moenkhausia dichroura Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Blue-purple Croaking Tetra Mimagoniates barberi Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.6" (≤ 4 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Red Eyed Tetra Arnoldichthys spilopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C)

FAQ

How large does African Glass Catfish get?

African Glass Catfish reaches ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm).

What aquarium size does African Glass Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 31.5" (≥ 80 cm) minimum length.

Is African Glass Catfish peaceful?

Yes. African Glass Catfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for African Glass Catfish?

Keep it between 22 to 27 °C.