Are you considering keeping goldfish and Corydoras catfish together in your aquarium? While keeping different fish species together in a tank can be a fun and rewarding experience, it’s important to research and choose compatible tank mates to ensure the health and happiness of each fish.
In this article, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when keeping goldfish and Corydoras catfish together, including their preferred water temperature, pH levels, feeding habits, size, and temperament.
Can Goldfish And Corydoras Live Together?
It’s possible for corydoras and goldfish to live together. However, it’s not recommended. Goldfish grow so much larger, there’s a strong possibility they’ll eat your cory’s. However, with a large enough tank and with enough hiding spots, it is possible.
(If you do want to know about tons of great tank mates that can live with your goldfish, then click the link!)
Water Temperature Needs Of Goldfish And Corydoras
Maintaining a consistent water temperature is crucial for the health of both goldfish and Corydoras catfish.
Goldfish
Goldfish prefer a water temperature range between 65-72°F (18-22°C). They can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but are sensitive to significant temperature changes, which can cause stress and illness in fish.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish thrive in warmer water with a temperature range between 72-78°F (22-26°C). They are less tolerant of temperature fluctuations than goldfish and require a stable temperature to remain healthy.
While on the surface it may look like these two fish can be kept together temperature wise. It may be the case that your corydoras become lethargic, and your goldfish’s metabolism speeds up too much.
pH Levels For Corydoras Catfish And Goldfish
Maintaining stable pH levels is crucial for the health of both goldfish and Corydoras catfish.
Goldfish
Goldfish prefer a pH range between 6.5-7.5 They are relatively adaptable to a wide range of pH levels but prefer a slightly alkaline environment.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish prefer a pH range between 7.0-7.8, which is slightly more acidic than the preferred pH range for goldfish. They are sensitive to significant pH fluctuations and require a stable pH level to remain healthy.
It’s important to note that sudden pH changes can cause stress and even death in fish. To maintain a stable pH level, it’s important to avoid overfeeding, conduct regular water changes, and use a high-quality pH testing kit to monitor the water quality.
(Find out about 13 amazing types of corydoras!)
Feeding Habits
Feeding your fish a balanced and nutritious diet is essential for their health and well-being.
Goldfish
Goldfish are omnivorous and prefer a varied diet that includes both plant-based and protein-based foods. Commercial goldfish food is readily available and contains a balanced mix of nutrients. They also enjoy snacking on fresh vegetables like peas, lettuce, and spinach.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are bottom-feeders and require a diet that is high in protein. They enjoy a mix of commercial catfish pellets, bloodworms, and shrimp. It’s important to note that they have small mouths and prefer small-sized food particles.
To ensure your fish receive a balanced diet, it’s important to feed them appropriately sized food portions and avoid overfeeding. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality, which can negatively impact the health of both species. It’s also essential to provide a variety of food options to meet their nutritional needs.
Size and Aggressiveness
The size and behavior of each species should be carefully considered before adding them to a tank together.
Goldfish
Goldfish can grow to be quite large, with some species growing up to a foot in length. They are generally peaceful and non-aggressive but may nip at the fins of slower-moving fish.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are relatively small, growing to be around 2-3 inches in length. They are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable tank mates for most fish species.
Because goldfish can grow significantly larger than Corydoras catfish, they may not be suitable tank mates. Goldfish require a lot of space to swim and thrive, and may become territorial and aggressive towards smaller fish in a small tank.
Because of this keeping goldfish and Corydoras catfish together may not be a good idea unless the tank is large enough to accommodate the larger size of the goldfish and provide enough hiding spots and areas for the catfish to retreat to if they feel threatened.
Compatibility with Other Fish Species
When it comes to keeping goldfish and Corydoras catfish together, it’s important to consider the compatibility of other fish species that may be added to the tank.
Compatible Fish Species for Goldfish
Goldfish are generally compatible with other peaceful and non-aggressive fish species that can handle the same water temperature and pH level requirements. Some suitable tank mates for goldfish include:
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
Water Temperature: 64°F to 72°F (17.8°C to 22.2°C)
pH Level: 6.0 to 8.0
White Cloud Mountain Minnows are a peaceful fish species that prefer to swim in schools. They are hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making them a popular choice for beginner fish keepers. They are small in size, reaching up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), and are known for their bright coloration.
Weather Loaches
Water Temperature: 64°F to 75°F (17.8°C to 23.9°C)
pH Level: 6.0 to 8.0
Weather Loaches are a peaceful fish species that are compatible with goldfish. They are known for their unique ability to sense changes in air pressure and can become more active before a storm. They can grow up to 12 inches (30.5 cm) in size and prefer to live in tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Compatible Fish Species for Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras catfish are peaceful and non-aggressive, making them suitable tank mates for most fish species that can handle the same water temperature and pH level requirements. Some suitable tank mates for Corydoras catfish include:
Neon Tetras
Water Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22.2°C to 25.6°C)
pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
Neon Tetras are a popular and peaceful fish species that are compatible with Corydoras catfish. They are known for their bright neon blue and red coloration and prefer to swim in schools. They are small in size, reaching up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), and are best kept in tanks with plenty of hiding spots.
Dwarf Gourami
Water Temperature: 72°F to 82°F (22.2°C to 27.8°C)
pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
Dwarf Gourami are a peaceful fish species that are compatible with Corydoras catfish. They are known for their vibrant coloration and can grow up to 3 inches (7.6 cm) in size. They prefer to live in heavily planted tanks with plenty of hiding spots and are best kept in pairs.
Harlequin Rasbora
Water Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22.2°C to 25.6°C)
pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
They are peaceful and social fish that do well in groups of six or more. Harlequin rasboras are active swimmers and enjoy plenty of open space to swim around in. They are relatively easy to care for and make great beginner fish.
It’s important to note that compatibility can vary depending on the individual temperament of each fish, so it’s always a good idea to monitor the behavior of all fish in the tank closely. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the tank size is suitable for all fish species and that adequate hiding spots and territories are provided to reduce stress and aggression.
Recap
In conclusion, keeping goldfish and corydoras catfish together in a tank can be challenging due to differences in their size, temperature and pH preferences.
Goldfish are typically larger and prefer cooler water, while corydoras catfish prefer warmer water and a pH on the acidic side. However, with careful research and planning, it is possible to create a harmonious and healthy environment for both species.