Can Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras Live Together?

Possible with Caution

Keeping Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras together is possible but requires caution, though some care is needed. Provide a spacious tank of at least 110 litres with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress. Monitor behaviour closely, especially during the first few weeks.


At a Glance

Bearded Cory

Scleromystax barbatus

Bronze Corydoras

Corydoras aeneus

🐟Family Group
Bearded Cory
Catfish
Bronze Corydoras
Catfish
Temperament
Bearded Cory
Peaceful (2/10)
Bronze Corydoras
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bearded Cory
16–23°C
Bronze Corydoras
22–27°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bearded Cory
6–7.4
Bronze Corydoras
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bearded Cory
2–12
Bronze Corydoras
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bearded Cory
Freshwater Only
Bronze Corydoras
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bearded Cory
Moderate
Bronze Corydoras
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Bearded Cory
110 L
Bronze Corydoras
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bearded Cory
Bottom
Bronze Corydoras
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bearded Cory
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Bronze Corydoras
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras?

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.

Bearded Cory
Bronze Corydoras
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Behaviour & Temperament

Bearded Cory is a peaceful species (2/10), while Bronze Corydoras is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Bearded Cory may occasionally assert dominance over Bronze Corydoras.

Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras 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 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 7.4. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 2–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 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). 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 Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras live together?

They can coexist, but the pairing requires careful monitoring. Provide ample space (at least 110 litres), plenty of hiding spots, and watch for signs of stress or aggression.

What size tank do Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras need?

A minimum of 110 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 Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras 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 Bearded Cory or Bronze Corydoras aggressive?

Bearded Cory is peaceful (2/10) and Bronze Corydoras is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Bearded Cory and Bronze Corydoras need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.4 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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