Can Corydoras Catfish live with German Blue Ram?
Case-by-case. Watch group sizes, tank size, and feeding zones.
Why Corydoras Catfish and German Blue Ram Don't Make an Easy Pair
They can coexist, but you need to manage the setup carefully. The temperature margin is tight — only 0°F of safe overlap, which leaves little room for thermostat drift.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras aeneus
| Adult Size: | 2.8" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 72-78°F |
| pH Range: | 6.0-7.5 |
German Blue Ram
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
| Adult Size: | 2.5" |
| Temperament: | peaceful |
| Min Tank: | 20 gal |
| Temperature: | 78-86°F |
| pH Range: | 5.0-7.0 |
Water Parameter Overlap
| Parameter | Corydoras Catfish | German Blue Ram | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72-78°F | 78-86°F | No overlap ✗ |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 | 5.0-7.0 | 1.0 ✓ |
Compatibility Breakdown
Temperament Match: peaceful + peaceful. Both peaceful → minimal conflict.
Score: 50.0/100 (GOOD ≥80, CAUTION ≥50, RISKY <50).
🔧 Tank Setup Requirements (for Both)
- Minimum tank: 20 gallons — sized for the larger fish in the pair.
- Temperature: no safe overlap range exists. A heater is not enough to fix this pairing.
- pH: maintain 6.0 – 7.0.
- Hiding spots: essential for Corydoras Catfish — caves, plants, or driftwood to retreat when feeling stressed.
- Water changes: 25% weekly minimum. Two species mean double the bioload.
🔧 Tank Stocking Calculator
Enter tank size to calculate safe stocking levels:
Recommended Equipment
Based on tank size 20+ gallons:
Sinking pellets for corydoras
Explore Related Checks
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Accuracy note: This tool uses expert rules + FishBase.org data. Individual fish behavior varies — a peaceful individual Corydoras Catfish may act differently from its species average. Always observe, quarantine new arrivals for 2-4 weeks, and avoid overcrowding. If a pairing says CAUTION, start with a smaller group and a lid.