Can Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Petricola Catfish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 11, 2026
Not Recommended

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Petricola Catfish 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

Petricola Catfish

Synodontis petricola

🐟Family Group
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Catfish
Petricola Catfish
Catfish
Temperament
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Peaceful (0/10)
Petricola Catfish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
22–26°C
Petricola Catfish
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
6–7.2
Petricola Catfish
7.5–9
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
2–12
Petricola Catfish
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Freshwater Only
Petricola Catfish
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Low
Petricola Catfish
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 110 L
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
60 L
Petricola Catfish
110 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Bottom
Petricola Catfish
Bottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Petricola Catfish
NocturnalShrimp EaterFry Predator
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Petricola Catfish?

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)
Petricola Catfish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

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

Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Petricola Catfish 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: Petricola Catfish 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 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 Petricola Catfish (7.5–9) 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 Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Petricola Catfish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 110 litres with a minimum length of 80 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, Smooth Gravel (Sensitive Barbels). 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 Petricola Catfish 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 Petricola Catfish.

Show 12 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Petricola Catfish 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 Petricola Catfish need?

A minimum of 110 litres (tank length at least 80 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 Petricola Catfish 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 Petricola Catfish aggressive?

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

What pH do Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) and Petricola Catfish need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082) prefers 6–7.2, while Petricola Catfish needs 7.5–9. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

Does Petricola Catfish being nocturnal affect compatibility?

Petricola Catfish 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 Petricola Catfish during evening hours.

Editorial Review

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

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