Can Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 100 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

Hi Fin Peppered Cory

Scleromystax macropterus

🐟Family Group
Agassiz Cory
Catfish
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Catfish
Temperament
Agassiz Cory
Peaceful (0/10)
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
22–27°C
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
16–23°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
6–8
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
2–15
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Freshwater Only
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Moderate
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 100 L
Agassiz Cory
60 L
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
100 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Agassiz Cory
Bottom
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Agassiz Cory
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerNocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory?

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
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
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Behaviour & Temperament

Agassiz Cory is a peaceful species (0/10), while Hi Fin Peppered Cory is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Hi Fin Peppered Cory may occasionally assert dominance over Agassiz Cory.

Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory 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.

Worth noting: Hi Fin Peppered Cory is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 23°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 22.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory together, plan for an aquarium of at least 100 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 — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — 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 Hi Fin Peppered Cory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 100 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory need?

A minimum of 100 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 Hi Fin Peppered Cory together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 23°C. A target of around 22.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Agassiz Cory or Hi Fin Peppered Cory aggressive?

Agassiz Cory is peaceful (0/10) and Hi Fin Peppered Cory is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Agassiz Cory and Hi Fin Peppered Cory need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Hi Fin Peppered Cory being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Hi Fin Peppered Cory is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Hi Fin Peppered Cory during evening hours.


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