Can Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 3, 2026
Not Recommended

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) 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

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)

Corydoras loxozonus

Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)

Poecilia sphenops

🐠Family Group
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Catfish
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Livebearers
Temperament
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Peaceful (0/10)
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Mostly Peaceful (3/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
22–26°C
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
6–7.2
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
7.5–8.5
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
2–12
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
12–30
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Freshwater Only
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Low
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 75 L
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
60 L
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
75 L
Swimming Level
✓ Different zones
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Bottom
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerFry PredatorAggressive Eater (Starves shy fish)
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)?

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.

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is a peaceful species (0/10), while Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). This modest difference means Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) may occasionally assert dominance over Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082).

In terms of spatial distribution, Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) prefers the Bottom (Substrate) zone, whereas Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) occupies the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) zones. Because they use different levels of the water column, territorial disputes are less likely and the tank will appear more balanced.

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 Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) (6–7.2) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) (7.5–8.5) do not overlap, making it impossible to satisfy both species simultaneously.

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

Tank Setup

To house Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 75 litres with a minimum length of 60 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, Plants - Densely covered, Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) 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 Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian).

Show 17 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as critical behavioural conflicts — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) need?

A minimum of 75 litres (tank length at least 60 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 Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) 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 Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) or Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) aggressive?

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) is peaceful (0/10) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) is generally mild-mannered (3/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Molly (Sailfin/Black/Dalmatian) need?

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

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 3, 2026
Last updated
May 3, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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