Goldfish and Sterbai Cory Compatibility Overview
Goldfish and Sterbai Cory are generally not recommended to be housed together. Goldfish is a cool-water fish and Sterbai Cory is tropical, so the usable temperature range decides this pairing. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Goldfish | Sterbai Cory | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 50โ74ยฐF | 75โ82ยฐF | โ No overlap |
| pH Range | 6.5โ8.0 | 6.0โ7.6 | โ 6.5โ7.6 |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | โ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 12 in | 2.6 in | โ 5ร difference |
| Min. Group | 1+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Goldfish โ Carassius auratus
Classic pond and aquarium fish that prefer cool water. Heavy waste producers that require robust filtration. Will eat small fish and shrimp.
Sterbai Cory โ Corydoras sterbai
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 Goldfish live with Sterbai Cory?
Generally not recommended. Goldfish and Sterbai Cory are generally not recommended to be housed together. Goldfish is a cool-water fish and Sterbai Cory is tropical, so the usable temperature range decides this pairing. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
What tank size do I need for Goldfish and Sterbai Cory together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Goldfish and Sterbai Cory together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Goldfish and Sterbai Cory?
There is no safe shared range: Goldfish needs 50โ74ยฐF and Sterbai Cory needs 75โ82ยฐF.
Is a Goldfish aggressive toward a Sterbai Cory?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Goldfish and Sterbai Cory
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. |