Can Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 6, 2026
Not Recommended

Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) are not recommended as tank mates due to incompatible water types and 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

Freshwater Flounder

Trinectes maculatus

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)

Corydoras loxozonus

🐠Family Group
Freshwater Flounder
Oddballs
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Catfish
Temperament
Freshwater Flounder
Peaceful (2/10)
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Peaceful (0/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Flounder
20–26°C
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
22–26°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Freshwater Flounder
7.5–8.5
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
6–7.2
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Flounder
10–25
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
2–12
Water Type
✗ No overlap
Freshwater Flounder
Brackish Required
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Freshwater Flounder
Moderate
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Freshwater Flounder
110 L
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
60 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Freshwater Flounder
Bottom
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Freshwater Flounder
NocturnalDigger (Disturbs Substrate)Shy / Slow Moving (Easily Stressed)Shrimp EaterFry Predator
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Freshwater Flounder 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.

Freshwater Flounder
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Freshwater Flounder is a peaceful species (2/10), while Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is peaceful (0/10). This modest difference means Freshwater Flounder may occasionally assert dominance over Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082).

Freshwater Flounder 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.

Additional behavioural considerations to keep in mind: Hyperactive swimmers can stress shy, slow-moving species through constant motion.

Worth noting: Freshwater Flounder is nocturnal and will be most active after lights-out, naturally reducing daytime encounters.

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.

The pH requirements of Freshwater Flounder (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.

Crucially, these species require different water types — one needs freshwater while the other requires brackish conditions. This is a hard barrier to keeping them together.

Tank Setup

To house Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) 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), 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

Freshwater Flounder 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 Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082).

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as different water type needs — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) 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 Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) 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 Freshwater Flounder or Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) aggressive?

Freshwater Flounder is peaceful (2/10) and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is peaceful (0/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Freshwater Flounder and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) need?

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

Does Freshwater Flounder being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Freshwater Flounder is most active after lights-out, which naturally reduces daytime encounters with its tank mate. This can actually be beneficial, as both fish get undisturbed time to feed and explore. Just ensure food reaches Freshwater Flounder during evening hours.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 6, 2026
Last updated
May 6, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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