Can Bearded Cory and Gold Barb Live Together?
Yes, Bearded Cory and Gold 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
Can your tank handle Bearded Cory and Gold 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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Both Bearded Cory and Gold Barb are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
Bearded Cory and Gold 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 16°C and 23°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 19.5°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.
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Tank Setup
To house Bearded Cory and Gold Barb 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.
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), Plants - Densely covered. 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 Gold Barb.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bearded Cory and Gold Barb live together?
Yes. Bearded Cory and Gold Barb are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.
What size tank do Bearded Cory and Gold Barb 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 Gold Barb together?
Keep the aquarium between 16°C and 23°C. A target of around 19.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Bearded Cory or Gold Barb aggressive?
Bearded Cory is peaceful (2/10) and Gold Barb is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Bearded Cory and Gold Barb 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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