Can Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) Live Together?
Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) are not recommended as tank mates due to 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
Can your tank handle Intermedius Cichlid 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.
Behaviour & Temperament
Intermedius Cichlid is a moderately assertive species (5/10), while Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is peaceful (0/10). This notable difference means Intermedius Cichlid may occasionally assert dominance over Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082).
Intermedius Cichlid 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.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 26°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 25.0°C) for optimal comfort.
The pH requirements of Intermedius Cichlid (7.6–8.8) 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.
Tank Setup
To house Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 170 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), 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
Intermedius Cichlid 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 Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082).
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) live together?
No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.
What size tank do Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) need?
A minimum of 170 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 Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 26°C. A target of around 25.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Intermedius Cichlid or Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) aggressive?
Intermedius Cichlid is moderately assertive (5/10) and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is peaceful (0/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.
What pH do Intermedius Cichlid and Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) need?
Their pH requirements do not overlap. Intermedius Cichlid prefers 7.6–8.8, while Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) needs 6–7.2. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.
How do I manage Intermedius Cichlid's territorial behaviour?
Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives Intermedius Cichlid space to claim a territory without encroaching on the other fish's area. Adding décor that divides the tank into distinct zones works especially well.
Shared setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Related Comparisons
Intermedius Cichlid & African Butterfly Cichlid
·
Intermedius Cichlid & Altolamprologus Calvus
·
Intermedius Cichlid & Altolamprologus Compressiceps
·
Intermedius Cichlid & Aurora Yellow Mbuna
·
Intermedius Cichlid & Blue Dolphin (Hap)
·
Intermedius Cichlid & Buccochromis lepturus
·
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) & Banjo Catfish
·
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) & Black Fin Cory
·
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) & Brown Hoplo Catfish
·
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) & Incolicana Corydoras
·
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) & San Juan Cory
·
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) & Spotted Raphael Catfish
·