Can Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory Live Together?

Ideal Tank Mates

Yes, Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. They occupy different areas of the water column, which reduces competition for space. A minimum tank size of 100 litres is recommended.


At a Glance

Green Fire Tetra

Aphyocharax rathbuni

Hi Fin Peppered Cory

Scleromystax macropterus

🐠Family Group
Green Fire Tetra
Characins
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Catfish
Temperament
Green Fire Tetra
Peaceful (2/10)
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Green Fire Tetra
20–26°C
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
16–23°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Green Fire Tetra
6.5–7.5
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
6–7.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Green Fire Tetra
2–15
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
2–15
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Green Fire Tetra
Freshwater Only
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Green Fire Tetra
Moderate
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 100 L
Green Fire Tetra
55 L
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
100 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Green Fire Tetra
MiddleTop
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Green Fire Tetra
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerNocturnal
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory?

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.

Green Fire Tetra
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Both Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory 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.

In terms of spatial distribution, Green Fire Tetra prefers the Middle (Open Water) and Top (Surface) zones, whereas Hi Fin Peppered Cory occupies the Bottom (Substrate) zone. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

Worth noting: Hi Fin Peppered Cory 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 20°C and 23°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 21.5°C) for optimal comfort.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 6.5 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 2–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory together, plan for an aquarium of at least 100 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: Plants - Densely covered, Sand (Sifters), Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory.

Show 10 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory live together?

Yes. Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.

What size tank do Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory need?

A minimum of 100 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 Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory together?

Keep the aquarium between 20°C and 23°C. A target of around 21.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Green Fire Tetra or Hi Fin Peppered Cory aggressive?

Green Fire Tetra is peaceful (2/10) and Hi Fin Peppered Cory is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Green Fire Tetra and Hi Fin Peppered Cory need?

Both species overlap in the 6.5–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Does Hi Fin Peppered Cory being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Hi Fin Peppered Cory 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 Hi Fin Peppered Cory during evening hours.


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