How Much Space Do Corydoras Need? Expert Guidelines for a Comfortable Aquarium

Valued for their easy-going temperaments and entertaining behavior, Corydoras catfish are popular additions to the freshwater community tank. There are countless colors and patterns, making them a versatile species enjoyed by aquarium hobbyists across the board.

While Corydoras are generally considered hardy and adaptable, you’ll need to provide for their basic needs if you want yours to thrive. Corydoras are active fish, and they’re best kept in groups of their own kind, so you’ll need a big enough tank to comfortably accommodate them. Here’s what you need to know about keeping Corydoras at home and how much space do corydoras need.

Corydoras Tank Size Requirements

Also known simply as cories, Corydoras catfish are relatively small fish. Most species grow to a maximum length of under three inches—some under 1 inch, like the pygmy cory (Corydoras pygmaeus). But body size isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing the right tank size for Corydoras.

Another important consideration is Corydoras' schooling behavior. In the wild, these fish live in groups of dozens of their own kind. In the home aquarium, however, a minimum group size of six is considered acceptable. Think about how many Corydoras you want to keep before selecting a tank, and don’t forget to factor in any other livestock.

The minimum recommended tank size for a small group of Corydoras is 20 gallons. Keep in mind that small tanks can be tricky to maintain, however, as fluctuations in water chemistry or temperature are harder to control. If you want to cultivate a healthy and stable environment for your Corydoras, choose the largest tank you can adequately maintain.

Tips for Keeping Corydoras Comfortable

There are over 160 different species of Corydoras and many of them are endemic to a very limited area. Most Corydoras in the aquarium trade are captive-bred, but it’s still worth doing some research to familiarize yourself with the qualities of a native habitat for whatever species of Corydoras you choose.

Cultivating a natural environment in your aquarium will help your cories feel more comfortable, but it’s not necessarily a requirement. Make sure to test your tap water before you decide what to do with your tank. Corydoras are generally pretty adaptable, so if matching the parameters of their native habitat will require significant adjustments in water chemistry, it may be best to avoid it.

Focus instead on acclimating new fish slowly to reduce stress and improve their chance of thriving in their new home. If you’re ordering fish online, follow the supplier’s acclimation instructions as closely as possible to prevent fish loss.

As you think about setting up your Corydoras tank, here are some additional tips for Corydoras care to keep in mind:

  • Decorate your tank using natural elements like live plants, driftwood, and rocks. Arrange the decorations to allow plenty of open swimming space, concentrating tall plants and decorations toward the sides and back of the tank.

  • Choose a soft, fine substrate or grow a layer of carpet plants on the bottom of your tank. Corydoras have sensitive barbels on their snouts that can be damaged by the sharp substrate as they sift through it, looking for food.

  • Give your Corydoras plenty of places to hide and explore. Cories aren’t nocturnal, but they do tend to be most active in twilight hours, so they may appreciate having somewhere to hide while they’re resting.

  • Offer your Corydoras a varied diet of sinking foods they’ll be able to find on the bottom of the tank. Cories are not algae eaters, so they’ll need to be fed daily. Try to include some live or frozen foods along with a staple commercial diet.

  • Keep the temperature in your Corydoras tank stable, somewhere in the 70-78°F range. Once your cories are mature, you can stimulate spawning by performing water changes with slightly cooler water (to mimic the rainy season).

  • Avoid keeping your Corydoras with any large or aggressive species—especially carnivorous fish like Oscars. Try to balance out your tank by choosing mid- or top-dwelling species of peaceful community fish such as angelfish, tetras, or live-bearers like guppies, mollies, and swordtails.

Finally, remember that water quality is key in keeping your Corydoras healthy and happy, regardless of tank size. Routine maintenance is a must no matter how big (or small) your Corydoras tank is. Test your tank water weekly, perform water changes as needed, and make sure your filtration system stays in working order.

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