Corydoras and Discus Compatibility Overview
Corydoras Catfish and Discus are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Corydoras Catfish needs 70โ79ยฐF and Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Corydoras Catfish | Discus | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70โ79ยฐF | 82โ88ยฐF | โ No overlap |
| pH Range | 6.0โ8.0 | 5.0โ7.0 | โ 6.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 8 in | โ ๏ธ 3.2ร difference |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 5+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Corydoras Catfish โ Corydoras spp.
Armoured bottom-dwelling catfish that are peaceful with all non-aggressive species. Need fine sand substrate to protect delicate barbels.
โ Full Corydoras Catfish care guide
Discus โ Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' โ beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corydoras Catfish live with Discus?
Generally not recommended. Corydoras Catfish and Discus are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Corydoras Catfish needs 70โ79ยฐF and Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Corydoras Catfish and Discus together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Discus together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Discus?
There is no safe shared range: Corydoras Catfish needs 70โ79ยฐF and Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF.
Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Discus?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Corydoras and Discus
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. |