Zig-zag eel vs Freshwater butterflyfish: can they live together?

Verdict: Not recommended

  • The Freshwater butterflyfish is aggressive towards other fish.
  • The Zig-zag eel is aggressive towards other fish.
  • An adult Zig-zag eel is about 3 times the length of a Freshwater butterflyfish and may eat it.
  • Both are comfortable at 24–27°C (75–81°F).
  • A pH of 6.7–7.5 suits both.

Side by side

Zig-zag eelFreshwater butterflyfish
Adult size38 cm (15 in)11 cm (4.3 in)
Minimum tank475 L (125 US gal)75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature22–27°C (72–81°F)24–30°C (75–86°F)
pH6.5–7.56.7–7.5
Hardness–2–10 dGH (36–178 ppm)
TemperamentAggressiveAggressive
Community tankGood–
Care levelEasy–
DietOmnivoreCarnivore

Species profiles