Can Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras 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 200 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Brown Hoplo Catfish

Hoplosternum littorale

Incolicana Corydoras

Corydoras incolicana

🐟Family Group
Brown Hoplo Catfish
Catfish
Incolicana Corydoras
Catfish
Temperament
Brown Hoplo Catfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Incolicana Corydoras
Peaceful (1/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Brown Hoplo Catfish
18–28°C
Incolicana Corydoras
22–26°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Brown Hoplo Catfish
6–8
Incolicana Corydoras
5–7.2
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Brown Hoplo Catfish
4–20
Incolicana Corydoras
2–12
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Brown Hoplo Catfish
Freshwater Only
Incolicana Corydoras
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Brown Hoplo Catfish
Low
Incolicana Corydoras
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 200 L
Brown Hoplo Catfish
200 L
Incolicana Corydoras
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Brown Hoplo Catfish
BottomMiddle
Incolicana Corydoras
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Brown Hoplo Catfish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerFry PredatorJumper (Lid Required)
Incolicana Corydoras
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana 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.

Brown Hoplo Catfish
Incolicana Corydoras
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Brown Hoplo Catfish is a peaceful species (2/10), while Incolicana Corydoras is peaceful (1/10). This modest difference means Brown Hoplo Catfish may occasionally assert dominance over Incolicana Corydoras.

Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana 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.

Worth noting: Brown Hoplo Catfish is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

The safe temperature window for both species falls between 22°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.0°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6 and 7.2. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 4–12 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras together, plan for an aquarium of at least 200 litres with a minimum length of 120 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 low (still water) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras.

Show 5 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras live together?

Yes. Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras need?

A minimum of 200 litres (tank length at least 120 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 Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras together?

Keep the aquarium between 22°C and 26°C. A target of around 24.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Brown Hoplo Catfish or Incolicana Corydoras aggressive?

Brown Hoplo Catfish is peaceful (2/10) and Incolicana Corydoras is peaceful (1/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Brown Hoplo Catfish and Incolicana Corydoras need?

Both species overlap in the 6–7.2 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.


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