Compatibility Overview
Corydoras Catfish and Lemon Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 40-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Corydoras Catfish | Lemon Tetra | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–79°F | 72–82°F | ✅ 72–79°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–8.0 | 6.0–7.5 | ✅ 6.0–7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 1.6 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 40 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
⚠️ Caution Points
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
Lemon Tetra — Aquarium species
The Lemon Tetra is a vibrant, peaceful addition to freshwater tanks. Known for its striking yellow and red colors, it is well-suited for community tanks. They are active swimmers and thrive in groups. Maintaining stable water conditions is key to their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corydoras Catfish live with Lemon Tetra?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Corydoras Catfish and Lemon Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 40-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Corydoras Catfish and Lemon Tetra together?
A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Lemon Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Lemon Tetra?
72–79°F
Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Lemon Tetra?
Corydoras Catfish is peaceful and Lemon Tetra is aggressive. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
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 | 78/100 |
| Ph | 100/100 |
| Temperament | 30/100 |
| Adult Size | 100/100 |
| Swim Zone | 92/100 |
| Social Needs | 85/100 |
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 | 40 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 55 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 90 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |