Black ghost vs Freshwater butterflyfish: can they live together?

Verdict: Not recommended

  • The Freshwater butterflyfish is aggressive towards other fish.
  • The Black ghost is aggressive towards other fish.
  • An adult Black ghost is about 5 times the length of a Freshwater butterflyfish and may eat it.
  • Both are comfortable at 24–28°C (75–82°F).
  • A pH of 6.7–7.5 suits both.

Side by side

Black ghostFreshwater butterflyfish
Adult size50 cm (20 in)11 cm (4.3 in)
Minimum tank210 L (55 US gal)75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature23–28°C (73–82°F)24–30°C (75–86°F)
pH6.0–8.06.7–7.5
Hardness5–10 dGH (89–178 ppm)2–10 dGH (36–178 ppm)
TemperamentAggressiveAggressive
Community tankGood–
Care levelModerate–
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Species profiles