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Cory CatfishVSOscar Fish

Can they live together? Complete Compatibility Analysis

Compatibility Score
10
🚫 Do Not Mix

Oscar Fish are large, aggressive, predatory cichlids that will eat or fatally injure small, peaceful bottom-dwellers like Cory Catfish. Their fundamental requirements for space, water parameters, and tankmate temperament are completely incompatible.

Potential Issues
  • •Oscars will view Cory Catfish as live food and will hunt them.
  • •Oscars produce immense waste, requiring heavy filtration and frequent water changes that stress sensitive Corydoras.
  • •Oscars dig and rearrange decor, destroying the stable, planted environment Corys prefer.
Tank Requirements
Temperature
Cannot be reconciled. Oscars: 74-81°F. Corys: 72-79°F (overlap exists, but secondary to aggression).
pH Level
Cannot be reconciled. Oscars: 6.0-8.0 (tolerant). Corys: 6.5-7.8 (prefer stable, softer water).
Minimum Tank Size
Cannot be reconciled. Oscars require 75+ gallons for one, 125+ for a pair. Corys need 20+ gallons, but would be unsafe in any Oscar tank.

About Cory Catfish and Oscar Fish

When considering adding Oscar Fish to a tank with Cory Catfish, it's crucial to understand their specific needs. Oscar Fish are large, aggressive, predatory cichlids that will eat or fatally injure small, peaceful bottom-dwellers like Cory Catfish. Their fundamental requirements for space, water parameters, and tankmate temperament are completely incompatible.

Key Differences

  • Cory Catfish: Requires 10 gallons minimum. Usually prefers tropical water conditions.
  • Oscar Fish: Requires 55 gallons minimum. Usually prefers tropical water conditions.

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