Compatibility Overview
Ember Tetra and Sterbai Cory 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 | Ember Tetra | Sterbai Cory | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 73–84°F | 72–79°F | ✅ 73–79°F |
| pH Range | 5.5–7.0 | 6.0–7.0 | ✅ 6.0–7.0 |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 0.8 in | 2.0 in | ⚠️ 2.5× difference |
| Min. Group | 8+ | 1+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 40 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
⚠️ Caution Points
Species Profiles
Ember Tetra — Hyphessobrycon amandae
Tiny orange-red schooling tetra that is among the most adaptable nano fish. Peaceful with everything too small to eat them.
Sterbai Cory — Aquarium species
The Sterbai Cory, known for its dark brown coloration with silver spots, is a popular bottom-dwelling fish. With a peaceful temperament, it is well-suited for community tanks. It requires a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and moderate water flow. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are essential for their health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Ember Tetra live with Sterbai Cory?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Ember Tetra and Sterbai Cory 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 Ember Tetra and Sterbai Cory together?
A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended for keeping Ember Tetra and Sterbai Cory together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Ember Tetra and Sterbai Cory?
73–79°F
Is a Ember Tetra aggressive toward a Sterbai Cory?
Ember Tetra is peaceful and Sterbai Cory is semi. 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 | 86/100 |
| Ph | 100/100 |
| Temperament | 75/100 |
| Adult Size | 72/100 |
| 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 | 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. |