Can Bronze Corydoras and Rosy Barb Live Together?

🟢Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Bronze Corydoras 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 132 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Bronze Corydoras

Corydoras aeneus

Rosy Barb

Pethia conchonius

🐠Family Group
Bronze Corydoras
Catfish
Rosy Barb
Cyprinids
Temperament
Bronze Corydoras
Peaceful (1/10)
Rosy Barb
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
22–27°C
Rosy Barb
18–25°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
6–7.5
Rosy Barb
6–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
2–15
Rosy Barb
4–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
Freshwater Only
Rosy Barb
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Bronze Corydoras
Moderate
Rosy Barb
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 132 L
Bronze Corydoras
60 L
Rosy Barb
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Bronze Corydoras
Bottom
Rosy Barb
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Bronze Corydoras
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)
Rosy Barb
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFin NipperAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)Plant Destroyer

Behaviour & Temperament

Bronze Corydoras 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 Bronze Corydoras.

Bronze Corydoras 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 Bronze Corydoras and Rosy Barb together, plan for an aquarium of at least 132 litres with a minimum length of 80 cm. This accounts for the larger species' space requirements with an additional 20 % buffer to reduce territorial tension.

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). 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Bronze Corydoras and Rosy Barb live together?

Yes. Bronze Corydoras 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 Bronze Corydoras and Rosy Barb need?

A minimum of 132 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 Bronze Corydoras 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 Bronze Corydoras or Rosy Barb aggressive?

Bronze Corydoras 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 Bronze Corydoras 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 Bronze Corydoras's fins?

Rosy Barb is a known fin nipper. If Bronze Corydoras 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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