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Compatibility

Compatibility brief

Can Checkerboard cichlid live with Corydoras Catfish?

VerdictRISKY

Risky. This mix is commonly discouraged for typical setups.

Checkerboard cichlid + Corydoras Catfish: Incompatible pH requirements. Checkerboard cichlid prefers pH 3.5–5.5 and Corydoras Catfish prefers pH 6–7.5. Their ranges do not overlap. Real tanks add variables Fishori cannot model; treat this as a high-risk read, not certainty.

Compatibility score

30/100

Profile confidence: medium

Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.

Min tank

100L

Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 100L (larger active fish often want more length).

Temperature
Range in °C2426°C shared
Checkerboard cichlidCorydoras CatfishShared window
pH
RangeNo shared window
Checkerboard cichlidCorydoras Catfish

Assessment details

  1. Compatible temperaments

    Both Checkerboard cichlid and Corydoras Catfish share a peaceful temperament.

  2. Narrow temperature overlap

    Checkerboard cichlid and Corydoras Catfish have only a narrow shared temperature range. Maintaining stable water temperature will be important.

  3. Incompatible pH requirements

    Top issue

    Checkerboard cichlid prefers pH 3.5–5.5 and Corydoras Catfish prefers pH 6–7.5. Their ranges do not overlap.

Checkerboard cichlid prefers pH 3

Incompatible pH requirements

Next steps

Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.

  • Corydoras Catfish should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.

Try instead

  • Corydoras Catfish should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
  • Build a species-only tank for the larger fish, or restock with fish too large to be eaten at adult sizes.
Sources from both profiles
Only URLs that exist on the species records are shown. We do not fabricate citations.
  • Seriously Fish. Dicrossus filamentosus

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Dicrossus filamentosus

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Dicrossus filamentosus

    Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.

  • Seriously Fish. Corydoras paleatus

    Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).

  • FishBase. Corydoras paleatus

    Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.

  • Wikipedia. Corydoras paleatus

    Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.

Try this next

Build the full stocking list with Checkerboard cichlid + Corydoras Catfish

Plan further

Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.

Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.

Profile data confidence: high. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.