Dwarf Marbled Catfish tank mates
Microglanis poecilus
4 rated pairings from the Dwarf Marbled Catfish care guide. Compatibility here means water, temperament, tank zone and adult size all line up — the note on each card says why. Dwarf Marbled Catfish needs at least 20 gallons on its own; every companion adds to that.
Excellent matches
2 · Same water, complementary zones, no conflict.
Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp.
20 gal min · 5" adult · Peaceful
Robust, armored algae-grazer that is too large and well-defended to be threatened; occupies similar bottom zone without direct conflict
Keyhole Cichlid
Cleithracara maronii
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Exceptionally peaceful cichlid of suitable size; shares South American biotope parameters and poses no threat to the catfish
Good matches
2 · Compatible with normal care — watch space and numbers.Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
20 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Peaceful dwarf cichlid that occupies mid-to-bottom zone; adults are too large to be eaten and share similar soft, warm water preferences
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
30 gal min · 3.5" adult · Peaceful
Large-bodied tetra well above the catfish's gape size; peaceful and occupies upper-mid water column, minimizing competition
Planning this tank?
Run the whole stock list through the calculator — it checks bioload and schooling numbers, not just pairings.