Can Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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

Panda Corydoras

Corydoras panda

White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)

Cynotilapia sp. 'hara'

🐠Family Group
Panda Corydoras
Catfish
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Cichlids - African
Temperament
Panda Corydoras
Peaceful (0/10)
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Aggressive (7/10)
Temperature
✓ Compatible
Panda Corydoras
20–25°C
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
24–28°C
pH Range
✗ No overlap
Panda Corydoras
6–7.4
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
7.8–8.6
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Panda Corydoras
2–12
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
10–25
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Panda Corydoras
Freshwater Only
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Freshwater Only
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Panda Corydoras
Moderate
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Moderate
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 255 L
Panda Corydoras
54 L
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
200 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 1 zone
Panda Corydoras
Bottom
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
MiddleBottom
🏷️Behavior Tags
Panda Corydoras
Hyperactive / Fast Swimmer
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Generally AggressiveAggressive to same species/look-alikesTerritorial (Defends specific area)Digger (Disturbs Substrate)Plant DestroyerFry PredatorHyperactive / Fast Swimmer
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)?

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.

Panda Corydoras
White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Panda Corydoras is a peaceful species (0/10), while White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) is semi-aggressive (7/10). This notable difference means White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) may occasionally assert dominance over Panda Corydoras.

Large aggression gap (7 points) between Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) increases stress risk for the more peaceful fish.

Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 25°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 24.5°C) for optimal comfort.

The pH requirements of Panda Corydoras (6–7.4) and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) (7.8–8.6) 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 Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) together, plan for an aquarium of at least 255 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), Established Algae (Otocinclus). 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

Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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 Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef).

Show 1 more tank size

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) live together?

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

What size tank do Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) need?

A minimum of 255 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 Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) together?

Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 25°C. A target of around 24.5°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.

Are Panda Corydoras or White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) aggressive?

Panda Corydoras is peaceful (0/10) and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) is semi-aggressive (7/10). The gap in aggression levels means the calmer fish may experience stress from the more assertive one.

What pH do Panda Corydoras and White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) need?

Their pH requirements do not overlap. Panda Corydoras prefers 6–7.4, while White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) needs 7.8–8.6. This makes them incompatible in the same water chemistry.

How do I manage White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef)'s territorial behaviour?

Provide line-of-sight breaks using rocks, driftwood, and dense planting. A larger tank gives White Top Hara (Gallireya Reef) 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.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

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

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
Contact the editorial team

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