Can Agassiz Cory and Pink Tailed Chalceus Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Agassiz Cory and Pink Tailed Chalceus together is possible but requires caution due to differing aggression levels. Provide a spacious tank of at least 250 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

Pink Tailed Chalceus

Chalceus macrolepidotus

🐠Family Group
Agassiz Cory
Catfish
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Characins
Temperament
Agassiz Cory
Peaceful (0/10)
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Semi-Aggressive (6/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
22–27°C
Pink Tailed Chalceus
23–28°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
6–8
Pink Tailed Chalceus
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
2–15
Pink Tailed Chalceus
5–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Freshwater Only
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Agassiz Cory
Moderate
Pink Tailed Chalceus
High
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 250 L
Agassiz Cory
60 L
Pink Tailed Chalceus
250 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Agassiz Cory
Bottom
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Top
🏷️Behavior Tags
Agassiz Cory
Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Pink Tailed Chalceus
Jumper (Lid Required)Piscivore (Eats small/nano fish)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerShrimp EaterAggressive to same species/look-alikes
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Agassiz Cory and Pink Tailed Chalceus?

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
Pink Tailed Chalceus
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Behaviour & Temperament

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

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

In terms of spatial distribution, Agassiz Cory prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Pink Tailed Chalceus occupies the Top (Surface) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Pink Tailed Chalceus is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

To improve the chances of a peaceful coexistence in this community tank: 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 23°C and 27°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Agassiz Cory and Pink Tailed Chalceus together, plan for an aquarium of at least 250 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 — caves, driftwood, and dense plant clusters — so the less dominant fish can retreat when needed.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Driftwood (Digestion/Hiding), Plants - Floating. 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 Pink Tailed Chalceus.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Agassiz Cory and Pink Tailed Chalceus live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 250 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Agassiz Cory and Pink Tailed Chalceus need?

A minimum of 250 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 Pink Tailed Chalceus together?

Keep the aquarium between 23°C and 27°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Agassiz Cory or Pink Tailed Chalceus aggressive?

Agassiz Cory is peaceful (0/10) and Pink Tailed Chalceus 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 Pink Tailed Chalceus 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.


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