Compatibility Overview
Clown Loach and Sterbai Cory 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 | Sterbai Cory | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 77–86°F | 72–79°F | ⚠️ 77–79°F (narrow) |
| pH Range | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.0 | ✅ 6.0–7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 2.0 in | ❌ 6× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 1+ | 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.
Sterbai Cory — Aquarium species
The Sterbai Cory, known for its dark brown coloration with silver spots, is a popular bottom-dwelling fish. With a peaceful temperament, it is well-suited for community tanks. It requires a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and moderate water flow. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are essential for their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Clown Loach live with Sterbai Cory?
Generally not recommended. Clown Loach and Sterbai Cory 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 Sterbai Cory together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Clown Loach and Sterbai Cory together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Clown Loach and Sterbai Cory?
77–79°F (narrow)
Is a Clown Loach aggressive toward a Sterbai Cory?
Clown Loach is peaceful and Sterbai Cory is semi. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Compatibility score breakdown
The overall score is weighted across water chemistry, behavior, adult size, swimming zone, and social needs. A score is a planning aid—not a guarantee for individual fish.
| Factor | Score |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 29/100 |
| Ph | 100/100 |
| Temperament | 75/100 |
| Adult Size | 8/100 |
| Swim Zone | 68/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
Tank size scenarios
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |