In this post, we will answer the question “Is it possible for betta fish to coexist with cory catfish?”. We will learn some information about the Corydoras and also provide some tips about keeping these two fish in the same tank.
Is it possible for betta fish to coexist with cory catfish?
Yes, Betta fish and Cory catfish may coexist peacefully in the same tank. Betta fish are beautiful, multicoloured fish that are also one of the most popular aggressive fish and freshwater tanks. They usually attack and kill any other fish or tank kill they see as competition.
Many betta fish keepers recommend keeping betta fish alone, however, is possible to house some tank mates with your betta fish.
All to know about Cory catfish
If you want to offer your corydoras the greatest possible opportunity for a long and happy life, the following information will prove to be quite useful to you. Cory catfish may be found in the waterways of South America. They inhabit slow-moving water bodies and streams that have lots of vegetation and plenty of food on the substrate. Cory catfish are available in a wide range of colors and designs. The majority of them are black, brown, or grey in color. However, you can find quite coloured ones too.
What are the water conditions for Cory catfish?
If you intend to keep Corydoras catfish in your aquarium, you must first ensure that the water conditions are suitable for them. Although they are hardy fish, extreme temperatures and pH can stress them over time.
Cory catfish will need a pH between 7.0-7.8. 7.0 is the perfect pH level for betta fish too. Thus, if you can keep the pH around 7.0, both fish species are going to thrive. Although it is vital to maintain a non-alkaline pH, doing so may stress your betta fish. As a result, strive to keep your pH around 7.0.
The temperature of the water is the next item on the list. A betta fish ideal temperature is 78 °F and for cories is between 70-78 °F. Once again, you’ll be on the far-left or far-right side of the spectrum. Continue to keep your water temperature as near to 78°F as possible, but don’t be concerned if it fluctuates by a few degrees either way.
The crucial point is to keep the water parameter stable. If the pH and temperatures are a bit higher or lower than the optimal for one of the species, as soon as it is stable, they will not have any problems.
How important is the water parameter for cory catfish?
It is crucial to keep a high water quality control in a tank with cory catfish. Nitrate levels are quite dangerous to cories as it would make them stressed and more prone to diseases. You should be monitoring the nitrate levels in your tank on a regular basis to ensure that they are always zero parts per million (ppm).
Similarly, you should try to keep the gravel or sand as still as possible. When vacuuming the bottom, you should perform very smooth and soft movements to not disturb the substrate.
It is not only stressful for your fish, but it will also discharge decaying food and feces back into your tank if you kick up all of the sand or gravel in your tank. This would result in an increase of the bacteria in your tank and consequently, potential diseases to your fish.
The cory catfish, on the other hand, is an incredibly tough fish. And if you monitor the water conditions and follow the step, your cories will thrive healthily and happily with your betta fish.
Betta fish and Cory catfish are excellent aquarium inhabitants
Cory catfish and betta fish like environments that are similar, so you may set up your aquarium to accommodate them both. Similarly to betta fish, cories do not require lots of space. A 10-gallon tank can fit both species perfectly.
Decorations
Regarding decorations, both fish species appreciate a heavily planted environment. As a result, having a large number of plants will give your tank a more natural appearance. Driftwood and rocks are also good choices for decorations, as they would create hiding spots for your fish.
Covering the top
Betta fish are very good jumpers and may leap out of your tank very easily if you do not have a proper lid. Thus, it is fundamental to have a full-coverage or a good lid to avoid your betta fish from falling out of the tank.
In spite of the fact that Corydoras catfish do not have the ability to jump like your betta does, they have a propensity of swimming fast to the water’s top in order to catch a bubble or a crumb of floating food. However, it is also important to have a lid or coverage for your tank, as the cories can sometimes jump during the process of cleaning the tank.
Will I have aggression issues?
Betta fish prefer inhabiting the middle and top layers of the tank, while cories are bottom occupants. Cories are rather drab and plain with small, stubby ends. Thus, the betta fish will not feel threatened by the cory catfish. And thus, no violence will be stimulated in this combination.
Cory catfish are extremely peaceful and will never show any violent behaviour toward your betta. Cories are highly sociable, especially when kept in schools of their kind, and they will enjoy foraging and feeding together on the bottom of your tank.
Betta fish and cory catfish diet
Your corydoras catfish will hoover up the remnants of any food that your betta has spilled, and it will do it happily. In addition, they will consume plant materials. You will, however, be responsible for providing it with food. Cory catfish are omnivores that eat a variety of foods. Thus, they can eat an enormous variety of food which means they will be fine sharing the same diet as your betta fish.
If you consider buying floating food pellets for your betta, it is also important to get some sinking pellets for your cories too. Additionally, both fish species enjoy some bloodworms and can definitely share a meal.
Conclusion
In this post, we answered the question “Is it possible for betta fish to coexist with cory catfish?”. We learned some information about the Corydoras and also provided some tips about keeping these two fish in the same tank.
If you have any thoughts or doubts, feel free to drop us a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Is it possible for betta fish to coexist with cory catfish?
What is the average lifespan of a betta fish in an aquarium?
A Betta fish can live for three to five years in captivity, but because they do not provide adequate conditions, people can only keep them for a few months.
What is the best way to determine the age of a betta fish?
A common feature in aging betta fish is a curved spine. Over the years, the pet no longer has a straight spine and starts to have a curved back. Your colours may also become less vivid.
Why do betta fish die so fast?
Ammonia poisoning and drowning from lack of oxygen are two of the most common causes of fish death in aquariums. To prevent your fish from drowning, keep in mind that the amount of oxygen that can dissolve in aquarium water is limited.
Is it usual for betta fish to stand still?
In conclusion, it is normal to find the Betta Fish in the aquarium and for it to remain still at times, but we have to always be looking at the fish for any abnormality that it presents.
What happens when the fish is at the bottom of the aquarium?
Often the reason for the fish to stay at the bottom of the aquarium is a disease. Ich and swim bladder illnesses are two of the most frequent.
When is the fish just on the surface?
Overfeeding is another very common cause of fish staying on the surface. In such a reduced environment and with an excess of food, the food that is deposited at the bottom of the aquarium easily decomposes and corrupts the quality of the water and, therefore, alters the parameters of the water in which they live.
References
Corydoras Catfish And Bettas (Tank Mate Guide). https://www.bettacarefishguide.com/cory-catfish-and-bettas-tank-mate-guide/
Cory Catfish and Betta: Potential Scavenger Companion. https://bettasource.com/cory-catfish-and-betta/
Chambers, C. 2021. Can Cory Catfish Live With Betta? https://tinyunderwater.com/can-cory-catfish-live-with-betta/
Song, M. (2006). Caring for Betta Fish. Lulu. com.
Young, T., & Bone, J. (2021). A better life for betta fish. Every Child, 27(2), 8-10.
