🐠 Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Corydoras Catfish Live With Tiger Barb?

✅ Compatible — Compatibility Score: 90/100
90/100 — Compatible

Compatibility Overview

Corydoras Catfish and Tiger Barb 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.

FactorCorydoras CatfishTiger BarbVerdict
Temperature70–79°F68–79°F✅ 70–79°F
pH Range6.0–8.06.0–8.0✅ 6.0–8.0
Temperamentpeacefulsemi⚠️ Monitor
Adult Size2.5 in2.75 in✅ Similar
Min. Group6+6+See below
Min. Tank Size40 gallons (for both species)

✅ Compatibility Positives

Good temperature overlap: both species thrive at 70–79°F.
pH ranges are compatible: workable range is 6.0–8.0.
Similar size range (2.5 in vs 2.75 in) — no significant predation risk.
Both species are schooling fish — keep Corydoras Catfish in groups of 6+ and Tiger Barb in groups of 6+.

⚠️ Caution Points

⚠️Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.

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

Tiger Barb — Puntigrus tetrazona

Striking striped barbs that are notorious fin-nippers. Must be kept in groups of 6+ to redirect aggression within the school. Incompatible with long-finned fish.

→ Full Tiger Barb care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Corydoras Catfish live with Tiger Barb?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Corydoras Catfish and Tiger Barb 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 Tiger Barb together?

A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Tiger Barb together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Tiger Barb?

70–79°F

Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Tiger Barb?

Corydoras Catfish is peaceful and Tiger Barb is semi. Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.