Corydoras and Swordtail Compatibility Overview
Corydoras Catfish and Swordtail 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 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Corydoras Catfish | Swordtail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 70โ79ยฐF | 65โ80ยฐF | โ 70โ79ยฐF |
| pH Range | 6.0โ8.0 | 7.0โ8.3 | โ 7.0โ8.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | โ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 5 in | โ ๏ธ 2.0ร difference |
| Min. Group | 6+ | 3+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 75 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
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
Swordtail โ Xiphophorus hellerii
Hardy livebearer with a distinctive elongated lower tail fin in males. Peaceful community fish that tolerate a wide temperature range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Corydoras Catfish live with Swordtail?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Corydoras Catfish and Swordtail 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 75-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Corydoras Catfish and Swordtail together?
A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Swordtail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Swordtail?
70โ79ยฐF โ inside Corydoras Catfish's 70โ79ยฐF and Swordtail's 65โ80ยฐF.
Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Swordtail?
Corydoras Catfish is peaceful and Swordtail is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Corydoras and Swordtail
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 75 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 125 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 150 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |