What size tank do bandit corydoras need?
At least 19 gallons (72 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Corydoras metae.
How many bandit corydoras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if bandit corydoras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many bandit corydoras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 9 |
| 29 gallon | up to 13 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 18 |
| 55 gallon | up to 25 |
| 75 gallon | up to 34 |
| 125 gallon | up to 57 |
Check bandit corydoras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, bandit corydoras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for bandit corydoras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Glowlight danio
- Black ruby barb
- Five-banded barb
- Zebra danio
- Bloodfin tetra
- Penguin tetra
- Checker barb
- Thick-lipped gourami
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as bandit corydoras.
- Molly: They need different water: Bandit corydoras likes a pH of 6–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.
Questions and answers
What size tank do bandit corydoras need?
At least 19 gallons (72 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 20 gallon high. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many bandit corydoras should be kept together?
At least 6. Bandit corydoras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can bandit corydoras live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Bandit corydoras needs at least 19 gallons (72 liters).
What temperature do bandit corydoras need?
68–79 °F (20–26 °C), with a pH of 6–7.5. A heater is only needed if your room gets cold.
Can bandit corydoras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 19 gallons (72 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Festivum
- Umbrella dwarf cichlid
- Salt and pepper corydoras
- Hoplo catfish
- Striped Raphael catfish
- Skunk loach
- All 150 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.