🐠 Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Cherry Barb Live With Corydoras Catfish?

✅ Compatible — Compatibility Score: 100/100
100/100 — Compatible

Compatibility Overview

Cherry Barb and Corydoras Catfish can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 40-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

FactorCherry BarbCorydoras CatfishVerdict
Temperature73–81°F70–79°F✅ 73–79°F
pH Range6.0–8.06.0–8.0✅ 6.0–8.0
Temperamentpeacefulpeaceful✅ Compatible
Adult Size2 in2.5 in✅ Similar
Min. Group6+6+See below
Min. Tank Size40 gallons (for both species)

✅ Compatibility Positives

Good temperature overlap: both species thrive at 73–79°F.
pH ranges are compatible: workable range is 6.0–8.0.
Both species are peaceful — low aggression risk.
Similar size range (2 in vs 2.5 in) — no significant predation risk.
Both species are schooling fish — keep Cherry Barb in groups of 6+ and Corydoras Catfish in groups of 6+.

⚠️ Caution Points

No major compatibility issues identified for this pair.

Species Profiles

Cherry Barb — Puntius titteya

Unlike most barbs, cherry barbs are peaceful schooling fish safe with bettas and nano species. Males turn vivid red when in breeding condition.

→ Full Cherry Barb care guide

Corydoras Catfish — Corydoras spp.

Armoured bottom-dwelling catfish that are peaceful with all non-aggressive species. Need fine sand substrate to protect delicate barbels.

→ Full Corydoras Catfish care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cherry Barb live with Corydoras Catfish?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Cherry Barb and Corydoras Catfish can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 40-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

What tank size do I need for Cherry Barb and Corydoras Catfish together?

A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended for keeping Cherry Barb and Corydoras Catfish together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Cherry Barb and Corydoras Catfish?

73–79°F

Is a Cherry Barb aggressive toward a Corydoras Catfish?

Cherry Barb is peaceful and Corydoras Catfish is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.