Can Corydoras Catfish Live With African Cichlid?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. Corydoras Catfish needs 6.0–7.5, African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6.
Ad
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Corydoras Catfish | African Cichlid | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 76–82°F | 76–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 7.8–8.6 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | aggressive | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 3" | 8" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 55 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Varies by species | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
beginnerpeaceful10+ gal
Corydoras catfish are beloved bottom-dwelling community fish known for their adorable whiskered faces and playful schooling behavior. With over 160 described species, corys come in many varieties including bronze, albino, panda, pygmy, and sterbai. They are peaceful, hardy, and help keep the substrate clean.
Full care guide →African Cichlid
Various (Mbuna, Peacock, Hap)
intermediateaggressive55+ gal
African cichlids from Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria are among the most colorful freshwater fish. They are active, intelligent, and aggressive — requiring specific tank setups with plenty of rock formations and overstock strategies to manage aggression.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For Corydoras Catfish:
For African Cichlid:
Ad