Can Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. Provide a spacious tank of at least 200 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Agassiz Cory

Corydoras agassizii

Bumblebee Cichlid

Pseudotropheus crabro

🐠Family Group
Agassiz Cory
Catfish
Bumblebee Cichlid
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Agassiz Cory
Peaceful (0/10)
Bumblebee Cichlid
Aggressive (8/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
22–27Β°C
Bumblebee Cichlid
24–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
6–8
Bumblebee Cichlid
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
2–15
Bumblebee Cichlid
10–25
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Freshwater Only
Bumblebee Cichlid
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Moderate
Bumblebee Cichlid
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Agassiz Cory
60 L
Bumblebee Cichlid
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Agassiz Cory
Bottom
Bumblebee Cichlid
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Agassiz Cory
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Bumblebee Cichlid
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerHyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Agassiz Cory
Bumblebee Cichlid
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Behaviour & Temperament

Agassiz Cory is a peaceful species (0/10), while Bumblebee Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10). This notable difference means Bumblebee Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Agassiz Cory.

Large aggression gap (8 points) between Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid both frequent the Bottom (Substrate) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: Provide a significantly larger tank (at least 50% more volume than the minimum) to allow both Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid to establish separate territories. Add plenty of line-of-sight breaks using driftwood, rocks, and dense planting to reduce territorial confrontations. A larger aquarium with ample hiding spots can help diffuse aggression and give the less dominant fish space to retreat.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24Β°C and 27Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.5Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7.8 and 8. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Because this pairing requires extra vigilance, include plenty of hiding spots β€” caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters β€” so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 200 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid together?

Keep the aquarium between 24Β°C and 27Β°C. A target of around 25.5Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Agassiz Cory or Bumblebee Cichlid aggressive?

Agassiz Cory is peaceful (0/10) and Bumblebee Cichlid is semi-aggressive (8/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Agassiz Cory and Bumblebee Cichlid need?

Both species overlap in the 7.8–8 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Bumblebee Cichlid's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Bumblebee Cichlid space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding dΓ©cor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.


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