Bronze Corydoras and Sumatran Barb: can they live together?

Verdict:with caution

  • Behaviour: with caution
  • Water: ranges overlap

Why

Bottom fish usually make good neighbours for barbs, but the Sumatran barb may nip barbels, and the corydoras has them. Barbs are calmest in a school of 8–10 or more.

Water and size

Water and size
ParameterBronze CorydorasSumatran BarbShared range
Temperature21 – 27 °C (70 – 81 °F)20 – 26 °C (68 – 79 °F)
21 – 26 °C (70 – 79 °F) ranges overlap
Water pH6 – 86 – 8
6 – 8 ranges overlap
Water dH5 – 185 – 20
5 – 18 ranges overlap
Size in aquarium7 cm (2.8 in)7 cm (2.8 in)
Required aquarium volumefrom 70 L (18 gal)from 60 L (16 gal)
KeepingSmall group (5–6 individuals)Schooling (usually from 5–6 individuals and more)
TemperamentPeaceful (regular)Peaceful, but may bite fins
Swimming levelnear the bottommiddle level

This is a general estimate: fish of the same species differ in character. Tank volume is given for each species separately — two species together need at least the larger of the two, and usually more.

Other pairs with these fish