Can Cory Catfish Live With Goldfish: Factors to Keep in Mind

Are you looking for a fun and easy way to keep your cory and goldfish together? If so, you’re in luck! There are various types of conditions that are perfect for both cory and goldfish, but is it advisable to keep these two species together?

No, it would help if you did not put cory catfish and goldfish together. Goldfish and corys generally don’t get along well in the wild. Goldfish like to eat pieces of food that smaller prey, such as shrimps or minnows, have trawled through. They can even eat cory catfish, given its size. Corys tend to prefer eating live animals, so they can steal food away from a much larger fish, which has been known to drive these goldfish crazy!

Why Can’t You Keep Cory Catfish and Goldfish Together?

A few potential issues could occur if you attempt to keep goldfish and cory catfish together. One is that the bigger fish could eat the smaller catfish, and another is that the fast-moving corys may get out of control when they’re competing for food. If these problems arise, it’s best to separate the two species until they can be appropriately re-acclimated. Here are more details of what you should avoid:

Fish Size

When thinking about whether or not to keep goldfish and cory catfish together, it’s essential to consider the size of each fish. For example, if your tank doesn’t already have enough space for both species, you’ll likely need to get a bigger tank if you want to include one of these fishies.

Tank Size

Another consideration when thinking about adding a goldfish or cory to your tank is the size of the aquarium. Generally speaking, a 10-gallon tank would be big enough for one fish but not enough for two. So if you’re looking to add a second fish to your existing home aquarium, you’ll likely need at least an 18-gallon tank (or larger) to accommodate both species comfortably.

Water Temperature

Goldfish and corys are tropical fish, so they need warm water to survive. Remember that a warmer temperature also means happier (and more significant) fish! Goldfish typically prefer temperatures around 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (20 to 23 degrees Celsius), while corys prefer waters between 74 to 80 degrees (23 to 26 degrees Celsius). So if you’re having trouble keeping your tank at the right temperature for both species, it might be best to buy two separate tanks and set them up side by side.

Feeding

Goldfish and corys both eat live food, but they have different preferences. Goldfish love fresh food items like krill, plankton, and flake food pellets, while corys prefer smaller prey such as brine shrimp or minnows. If your goal is to keep both species together in the same tank, be sure to offer a variety of feeds so that everyone can get their fair share.

Schools

Most people think of goldfish and corys as solitary creatures, but they can live in groups if the tank is big enough. So if you’re considering adding one or both of these fish to your home aquarium, keep this in mind before making a purchase. Specify whether you’d like the fish to be considered a “bonded” pair or just roommates.

How to Keep Goldfish and Cory Catfish Together in an Aquarium?

There’s no “right” way to keep goldfish and corys together in a tank, as each fish prefers different conditions. However, some things that will help are adding a large amount of live food (if your cory is hungry), providing plenty of swimming space, and keeping the water at the correct temperature.

Goldfish can live for up to 10 years, so goldfish may be a perfect choice if you’re looking for a long-term pet. However, some people find that goldfish get lonely and want to add another fish to their tank. In this case, it’s best to look for a cory compatible with your goldfish (for example, one that likes smaller prey).

On the other hand, there is limited research on corys and loneliness, but they seem to do well in groups if the tank size is large enough. So if you’re looking for a solitary fish and don’t want to add another species to your tank, then a cory may be more appropriate. Just make sure that the other fish in the group isn’t too aggressive or dominant towards your cory. In addition, it’s essential to provide plenty of hiding spaces.

How Many Cory Catfish Should Be Kept With Goldfish?

Since corys can get along with other fish in a group, it’s up to you as the aquarium keeper to decide how many they should have. However, typically six is plenty. In addition, usually, corys aren’t aggressive and will only attack their larger species.

What Kind of Fish Can You Keep With Goldfish?

Some of the most popular fish kept with goldfish are corys. Cory cats get along well with other small fish and usually only attack their species if they’re larger. Additionally, they appreciate plenty of hiding spots and room to roam, so a 10-gallon tank is typically necessary for two or four individuals.

Best Tank Mates for Your Goldfish

In addition to corys, other famous tank mates for goldfish are loaches and plecos. These small fish like to eat insects and algae that can be a nuisance in your tank, making great additions. Another option is dwarf gouramis which usually get along well with other fishes but tend to be less active than most cory catfish.