Compatibility Overview
Corydoras Catfish and Senegal Bichir 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 | Senegal Bichir | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70–79°F | 72–82°F | ✅ 72–79°F |
| pH Range | 6.0–8.0 | 6.5–7.5 | ✅ 6.5–7.5 |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | ❌ Risk |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 23.6 in | ❌ 9× difference |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 1+ | 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
Senegal Bichir — Aquarium species
The Senegal Bichir is a fascinating freshwater fish known for its eel-like body and bony plates. It is a peaceful community fish that can be kept with a variety of species. These fish are active and require a spacious tank with plenty of swimming room. They are not known to be aggressive and can be a great addition to a beginner's aquarium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corydoras Catfish live with Senegal Bichir?
Generally not recommended. Corydoras Catfish and Senegal Bichir 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 Senegal Bichir together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Senegal Bichir together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Senegal Bichir?
72–79°F
Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Senegal Bichir?
Corydoras Catfish is peaceful and Senegal Bichir is aggressive. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
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 | 8/100 |
| Swim Zone | 92/100 |
| Social Needs | 92/100 |
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 | 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. |