Indonesian snakehead vs Freshwater butterflyfish: can they live together?

Verdict: Not recommended

  • The Freshwater butterflyfish is aggressive towards other fish.
  • The Indonesian snakehead is best kept in a species tank.
  • The Indonesian snakehead is aggressive towards other fish.
  • An adult Indonesian snakehead is about 12 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

Indonesian snakeheadFreshwater butterflyfish
Adult size130 cm (51 in)11 cm (4.3 in)
Minimum tank–75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature22–28°C (72–82°F)24–30°C (75–86°F)
pH6.5–7.56.7–7.5
Hardness–2–10 dGH (36–178 ppm)
TemperamentAggressiveAggressive
Community tankNot suitable–
Care levelEasy–
DietCarnivoreCarnivore

Species profiles