Compatibility Overview
Corydoras Catfish and Discus 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 | Corydoras Catfish | Discus | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–79°F | 82–88°F | ❌ No overlap |
| pH Range | 6.0–8.0 | 5.0–7.0 | ✅ 6.0–7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 8 in | ⚠️ 3.2× difference |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 5+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
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
Discus — Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' — 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 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 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?
No overlap
Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Discus?
Corydoras Catfish is peaceful and Discus is semi. Temperature ranges do not overlap: Corydoras Catfish needs 70–79°F; Discus needs 82–88°F.