Corydoras and Otocinclus Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 72-79°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Corydoras Catfish | Otocinclus | 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 | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 1.5 in | ✅ Similar |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 4+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 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
Otocinclus — Otocinclus spp.
Tiny algae-eating catfish that are peaceful with all species. Need established algae growth and biofilm; sensitive to ammonia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corydoras Catfish live with Otocinclus?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus?
72–79°F — inside Corydoras Catfish's 70–79°F and Otocinclus's 72–82°F.
Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Otocinclus?
Corydoras Catfish is peaceful and Otocinclus is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Corydoras and Otocinclus
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Corydoras
- Mystery Snail — 98/100
- Pearl Danio — 98/100
- Zebra Danio — 98/100
- Honey Gourami — 96/100
- Panda Cory — 96/100
For Otocinclus
- Dwarf Chain Loach — 98/100
- Panda Cory — 98/100
- Pearl Danio — 98/100
- Peppered Cory — 98/100
- Pygmy Corydoras — 98/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Corydoras and Otocinclus
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 20 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 29 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |