Compatibility Overview
Clown Loach and Pygmy Corydoras are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Clown Loach | Pygmy Corydoras | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77–86°F | 72–79°F | ⚠️ 77–79°F (narrow) |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 | ✅ 6.0–7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 1 in | ❌ 12× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Clown Loach — Chromobotia macracanthus
Striking striped loach that grows very large. Peaceful with fish but will eat shrimp, snails and tiny fish.
Pygmy Corydoras — Corydoras pygmaeus
Tiny armoured catfish that school in open water as well as on the substrate. Peaceful with all non-aggressive species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Clown Loach live with Pygmy Corydoras?
Generally not recommended. Clown Loach and Pygmy Corydoras are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Clown Loach and Pygmy Corydoras together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Clown Loach and Pygmy Corydoras together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Clown Loach and Pygmy Corydoras?
77–79°F (narrow)
Is a Clown Loach aggressive toward a Pygmy Corydoras?
Clown Loach is peaceful and Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful. Narrow temperature overlap (77–79°F) — keeping the tank at exactly 78–78°F is needed for both species.