Lesser spiny eel vs Freshwater butterflyfish: can they live together?

Verdict: Not recommended

  • The Freshwater butterflyfish is aggressive towards other fish.
  • The Lesser spiny eel is aggressive towards other fish.
  • An adult Lesser spiny eel is about 3 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

Lesser spiny eelFreshwater butterflyfish
Adult size38 cm (15 in)11 cm (4.3 in)
Minimum tank115 L (30 US gal)75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature20–28°C (68–82°F)24–30°C (75–86°F)
pH6.5–7.56.7–7.5
Hardness6–35 dGH (107–625 ppm)2–10 dGH (36–178 ppm)
TemperamentAggressiveAggressive
Community tankGood–
Care levelEasy–
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Species profiles