Can Asher Cory and Rosy Barb Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Asher Cory and Rosy Barb are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 110 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Asher Cory

Corydoras tukano

Rosy Barb

Pethia conchonius

🐠Family Group
Asher Cory
Catfish
Rosy Barb
Cyprinids
Temperament
Asher Cory
Peaceful (1/10)
Rosy Barb
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Asher Cory
22–28°C
Rosy Barb
18–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Asher Cory
5–7.5
Rosy Barb
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Asher Cory
2–15
Rosy Barb
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Asher Cory
Freshwater Only
Rosy Barb
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Asher Cory
Moderate
Rosy Barb
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Asher Cory
60 L
Rosy Barb
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Asher Cory
Bottom
Rosy Barb
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Asher Cory
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Rosy Barb
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Plant Destroyer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Asher Cory and Rosy Barb?

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.

Asher Cory
Rosy Barb
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Asher Cory is a peaceful species (1/10), while Rosy Barb is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Rosy Barb may occasionally assert dominance over Asher Cory.

Asher Cory and Rosy Barb 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.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 23.5°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 4–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Asher Cory and Rosy Barb together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Sand (Sifters), Leaf Litter/Blackwater. 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 Asher Cory and Rosy Barb.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Asher Cory and Rosy Barb live together?

Yes. Asher Cory and Rosy Barb are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Asher Cory and Rosy Barb need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Asher Cory and Rosy Barb together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 25°C. A target of around 23.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Asher Cory or Rosy Barb aggressive?

Asher Cory is peaceful (1/10) and Rosy Barb is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Asher Cory and Rosy Barb 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.

Will Rosy Barb nip Asher Cory's fins?

Rosy Barb is a known fin nipper. If Asher Cory has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Rosy Barb in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.


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