Can Corydoras Catfish Live With Otocinclus Catfish?
Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus Catfish are compatible. Temperature overlap 72–79°F. Both peaceful.
Conditions: Minimum 20 gallon tank.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Corydoras Catfish | Otocinclus Catfish | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 72–79°F | 72–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 6–7.5 | 6–7.5 ✓ |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | Both peaceful ✓ |
| Max Size | 3" | 2" | Similar ✓ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 10 gal | 20 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Tank Requirements for Corydoras Catfish + Otocinclus Catfish
To keep Corydoras Catfish and Otocinclus Catfish together, you need at minimum a 20 gallon tank. Corydoras Catfish should be kept in a school of 6+. Otocinclus Catfish should be kept in a school of 6+. Provide adequate filtration, stable temperature with a heater, and hiding spots to reduce stress.
Species Profiles
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras spp.
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 →Otocinclus Catfish
Otocinclus spp.
Otocinclus catfish (otos) are tiny, peaceful algae eaters that are incredibly effective at controlling soft green algae and diatoms in planted tanks. They are the gold standard for planted tank algae control, often preferred over larger plecos. However, they are somewhat delicate and require established, well-maintained aquariums.
Full care guide →