Corydoras and Fire Eel Compatibility Overview
Corydoras Catfish and Fire Eel are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Corydoras Catfish | Fire Eel | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70โ79ยฐF | 75โ82ยฐF | โ 75โ79ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.0โ8.0 | 6.0โ7.0 | โ 6.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 39.4 in | โ 16ร difference |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 1+ | 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
Fire Eel โ Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
The Fire Eel is a stunning, red-bottomed species that requires a spacious tank. They are peaceful bottom feeders and do best in a well-planted, mature aquarium. With a moderate activity level, they can be a great addition to a community tank, but their size and diet may be incompatible with smaller fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corydoras Catfish live with Fire Eel?
Generally not recommended. Corydoras Catfish and Fire Eel are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Corydoras Catfish and Fire Eel together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Fire Eel together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Fire Eel?
75โ79ยฐF โ inside Corydoras Catfish's 70โ79ยฐF and Fire Eel's 75โ82ยฐF.
Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Fire Eel?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Corydoras and Fire Eel
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 114 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 180 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. |