Can Agassiz Cory and Chanchito Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Agassiz Cory and Chanchito together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. Provide a spacious tank of at least 150 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

Chanchito

Australoheros facetus

🐠Family Group
Agassiz Cory
Catfish
Chanchito
Cichlids - South American
Temperament
Agassiz Cory
Peaceful (0/10)
Chanchito
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
22–27Β°C
Chanchito
16–28Β°C
pH Range
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
6–8
Chanchito
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
2–15
Chanchito
4–15
Water Type
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Freshwater Only
Chanchito
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
βœ“ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Moderate
Chanchito
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 150 L
Agassiz Cory
60 L
Chanchito
150 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Agassiz Cory
Bottom
Chanchito
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Agassiz Cory
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Chanchito
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerTerritorial (Defends specific area)Fry PredatorAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Agassiz Cory and Chanchito?

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
Chanchito
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Agassiz Cory is a peaceful species (0/10), while Chanchito is moderately assertive (6/10). This notable difference means Chanchito may occasionally assert dominance over Agassiz Cory.

Large aggression gap (6 points) between Agassiz Cory and Chanchito increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Agassiz Cory and Chanchito 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 Chanchito 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 22Β°C and 27Β°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5Β°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 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 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Agassiz Cory and Chanchito together, plan for an aquarium of at least 150 litres with a minimum length of 90 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), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding). 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 Chanchito.

Show 9 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Agassiz Cory and Chanchito live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 150 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Agassiz Cory and Chanchito need?

A minimum of 150 litres (tank length at least 90 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 Chanchito together?

Keep the aquarium between 22Β°C and 27Β°C. A target of around 24.5Β°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Agassiz Cory or Chanchito aggressive?

Agassiz Cory is peaceful (0/10) and Chanchito is moderately assertive (6/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Agassiz Cory and Chanchito need?

Both species overlap in the 6–8 pH range. Consistency is key β€” avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

How do I manage Chanchito's territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Chanchito 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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