Cory CatfishVSOscar Fish

Can they live together? Complete Compatibility Analysis

Compatibility Score

🚫 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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