Can Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 3, 2026
Not Recommended

Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) are not recommended as tank mates due to conflicting pH requirements. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Banded Chromide

Etroplus suratensis

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)

Corydoras loxozonus

🐠Family Group
Banded Chromide
Other
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Catfish
Temperament
Banded Chromide
Semi-Aggressive (5/10)
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Banded Chromide
24–30°C
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
22–26°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Banded Chromide
7.5–8.5
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
6–7.2
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Banded Chromide
10–25
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
2–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Banded Chromide
Brackish Tolerant
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Banded Chromide
Moderate
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 450 L
Banded Chromide
450 L
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Banded Chromide
MiddleBottom
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Banded Chromide
Plant DestroyerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Territorial (Defends specific area)Fry PredatorShrimp Eater
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)?

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.

Banded Chromide
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Banded Chromide is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Banded Chromide may occasionally assert dominance over Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082).

Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) 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 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Banded Chromide (7.5–8.5) and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) (6–7.2) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 10–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 450 litres with a minimum length of 150 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), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels), 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) need?

A minimum of 450 litres (tank length at least 150 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 Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Banded Chromide or Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) aggressive?

Banded Chromide is moderately assertive (5/10) and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Banded Chromide and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Banded Chromide prefers 7.5–8.5, while Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) needs 6–7.2. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage Banded Chromide's territorial behaviour?

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

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 3, 2026
Last updated
May 3, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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