No, cory catfish are not good tank mates for goldfish. Goldfish eat anything that fits in their mouths, and most corys are only 1 to 3 inches long. A cory’s sharp fin spines can also lodge in a goldfish’s throat or gills. Corys also prefer warmer water (most species 72 to 82°F) than fancy goldfish (about 50 to 70°F).
Can a cory catfish live with a goldfish?
No, not safely. Goldfish grow large and will try to swallow small tank mates, and standard corydoras fit in their mouths. Cory catfish have sharp spines at the front of their dorsal and pectoral fins, and a stressed cory can release a mild toxin. If a goldfish swallows a cory, the spines can get stuck in its mouth, throat or gill plate, which can injure or kill the goldfish and the cory.
Water needs also differ. Goldfish are cold-water fish, while most corys need tropical temperatures. A few species, such as peppered and julii corys, tolerate cooler water, but a middle temperature is still a compromise for both.
| Fish | Typical temperature | Typical adult size |
|---|---|---|
| Most cory catfish | 72 to 82°F (peppered and julii prefer the cooler end) | 1 to 3 inches |
| Fancy goldfish | 50 to 70°F | Large, and will swallow anything that fits in the mouth |
Is there a catfish that can live with goldfish?
Not a cory, but a larger relative is sometimes suggested. The hog-nosed catfish (Brochis multiradiatus) reaches about 4 inches, which Aquarium Co-op says is too big for goldfish to treat as food. It has spines too, so watch the fish closely if you try it, and use a tank large enough for the goldfish.
What fish can live with cory catfish?
Choose small, peaceful tank mates that like the same temperature. Good choices include:
- Amano shrimp
- Bamboo shrimp
- Ghost shrimp
- Mystery snails
- Rabbit snails
- Pond snails
- Nerite snails
- Platies
- Rasboras
- Mollies
- Swordtails
- Angelfish
- Gouramis
- Guppies
- Otocinclus catfish
- Neon tetras
Check adult sizes before you combine fish from this list. For example, a full-grown angelfish can eat a neon tetra.
Are cory catfish schooling fish?
They are social fish that should be kept in groups, so 2 corys are not enough. Keep at least six of the same species. Aquarium Co-op recommends groups of 6 or more.