Can glass catfish live with tinfoil barbs?
Verdict
Yes, with care
Yes, with care. Glass catfish and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. A grown tinfoil barb may treat small glass catfish as food, especially at night.
What to watch
- Watch outA grown tinfoil barb may treat small glass catfish as food, especially at night.
- Watch outTinfoil barbs grow to 12 inches and need 125 gallons, far more than a tank set up for glass catfish.
What works
- Both are fine at 75–80°F.
- pH 6.5–7.5 suits both.
Water side by side
Size to scale
Care at a glance
| Glass catfish | Tinfoil barb | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 75–80 °F | 72–80 °F |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 | 6.5–7.5 |
| Adult size | 3.0 in | 12.0 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gal | 125 gal |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Swims at | Middle | Middle |
| Group | Groups of 6+ | Groups of 5+ |
| Diet | Carnivore | Omnivore |
Better tank mates for glass catfish
Better tank mates for tinfoil barbs
Questions
Can glass catfish live with tinfoil barbs?
Yes, with care. Glass catfish and tinfoil barbs can share a tank, but watch one thing. A grown tinfoil barb may treat small glass catfish as food, especially at night.
What temperature suits both glass catfish and tinfoil barbs?
75–80 °F. Glass catfish need 75–80 °F, tinfoil barbs need 72–80 °F.
What size tank do glass catfish and tinfoil barbs need together?
At least 125 gal, set by the tinfoil barb. Add space for each extra fish.













