๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Sterbai Cory and Swordtail Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 84/100
84/100 โ€” Compatible

Sterbai Cory and Swordtail Compatibility Overview

Sterbai Cory 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.

Compatibility factors for Sterbai Cory and Swordtail
FactorSterbai CorySwordtailVerdict
Temperature75โ€“82ยฐF65โ€“80ยฐFโœ… 75โ€“80ยฐF
pH Range6.0โ€“7.67.0โ€“8.3โš ๏ธ 7.0โ€“7.6 (narrow)
Temperamentpeacefulpeacefulโœ… Compatible
Adult Size2.6 in5 inโœ… Similar
Min. Group6+3+See below
Min. Tank Size75 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Caution Points

Their pH ranges overlap only partly, so aim for the shared band and keep it steady.

Species Profiles

Sterbai Cory โ€” Corydoras sterbai

Sterbai Cory and Swordtail compatibility โ€” Sterbai Cory

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.

โ†’ Full Sterbai Cory care guide

Swordtail โ€” Xiphophorus hellerii

Sterbai Cory and Swordtail compatibility โ€” Swordtail

Hardy livebearer with a distinctive elongated lower tail fin in males. Peaceful community fish that tolerate a wide temperature range.

โ†’ Full Swordtail care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Sterbai Cory live with Swordtail?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Sterbai Cory 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 Sterbai Cory and Swordtail together?

A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for keeping Sterbai Cory and Swordtail together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Sterbai Cory and Swordtail?

75โ€“80ยฐF โ€” inside Sterbai Cory's 75โ€“82ยฐF and Swordtail's 65โ€“80ยฐF.

Is a Sterbai Cory aggressive toward a Swordtail?

Sterbai Cory is peaceful and Swordtail is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Sterbai Cory and Swordtail

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable75 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community125 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup150 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.