Compatibility
Guppy × Bristlenose Catfish Compatibility
Compatibility calculated based on predation risk, behaviour profile, and water-parameter overlap.
Guppy and Bristlenose Catfish can usually live together in a well-planted community tank, but size difference should be monitored.
TemperatureA
pHA
HardnessB
FlowA
PredationB
BehaviourA
Generally compatibleA
Envrionmental Factors
Temperature overlap
Guppy: 20.0–28.0 °C
Bristlenose Catfish: 23.0–27.0 °C
Shared window: 23.0–27.0°C.
pH overlap
Guppy: 7.0–8.0
Bristlenose Catfish: 5.5–8.0
Shared window: 7.0–8.0.
Hardness overlap
Guppy: Medium → Very hard
Bristlenose Catfish: Soft → Hard
Shared hardness bands: 2 (overlap ratio 67%).
Flow match
Guppy: Medium
Bristlenose Catfish: Medium
Flow preferences do not conflict directly (no low-vs-high clash).
Behavioural Factors
Predation risk (size ratio)
Adult size ratio: 3.00x
Size gap is between 2.0x and 3.0x, so monitor for dominance and mouth-fit risk.
Behaviour risk
- - Both species are generally peaceful; behaviour conflict risk is low.
Parameter snapshot
| Parameter | Guppy | Bristlenose Catfish |
|---|---|---|
| Adult size | 5.0 cm | 15.0 cm |
| Temperature | 20.0–28.0 °C | 23.0–27.0 °C |
| pH | 7.0–8.0 | 5.5–8.0 |
| Hardness | Medium → Very hard | Soft → Hard |
| Flow | Medium | Medium |
| Locations | South America, Barbados | South America |
Geographic overlap (supporting signal)
Shared: South America
Best tank mates for Guppy
Reference links to curated compatibility pair pages for this species.
Common Molly
Poecilia sphenops
Endler's livebearer
Poecilia wingei
Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Swordtail
Xiphophorus hellerii
Best tank mates for Bristlenose Catfish
Reference links to curated compatibility pair pages for this species.
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii