In the fishkeeping world, it is all about mixing and matching compatible tank critters. Some get along very well, while others don’t really feel like making friends.
There are plenty of tank fish that get along well with Kribs, but will Cories make the cut?
Stick around to find out the ups and downs of keeping Kribensis with Corydoras in the same tank!
Can Kribensis And Corydoras Get Along Well?
Let me share some good news with you – these two can make good tank mates! In fact, Cories might be among the best tank mates for Kribs.
Even though both species are known bottom dwellers, they manage to get along due to their similar temperaments.
Cory Catfish are fun-loving, peaceful tank fish that make ideal companions not only to Kribs, but to many other community tank species.
They usually chill on the bottom of the tank, cleaning up gravel, rocks, decoration, and glass. As part of the clean up crew, these fish are known to be laid-back and quick to notice when they’re not invited to the party.
They’re not loners though – Cories like to swim in schools with their own species. However, some types of these Catfish may be more shy and timid than others, which could be because of their small size.
That being said, Cories seem to be more peaceful than Kribs, which does not mean that Kribensis are aggressive. They tend to get a bit feisty and territorial during mating and spawning. But, other than that, these colorful fish are pretty mellow and laid-back.
Another reason they get along well is that both of these fish are temperature compatible, living their best lives when the tank water is from 72° to 79°F.
Cory Catfish seem to notice that feisty behavior which is why they avoid going near Kribs’ caves during that period. They’re quite intelligent, aren’t they?
Are There Any Situations When Kribensis And Corydoras Don’t Get Along Well?
Even though these fishy friends usually get along well together, there are situations when it is best to avoid putting Kribensis Cichlids with Corydoras in the same tank.
If you guessed it is because of some aggressive/territorial behavior, then you are right.
But, there is more to weird behaviors these fish can exhibit towards each other. Even the peaceful Cories can start acting a bit rough on the Kribs and their babies.
So, let’s see what kind of drama could actually occur in this aquatic friendship.
Kribensis Spawning Period
We’ve previously mentioned that Kribs are notorious for being fearless and protective parents.
When they mate, they become very feisty, or as some hobbyists say that female Kribs become “psycho” towards other tank mates.
These little guys can be real hotheads and won’t let any other fish near their love cave. If any nosy neighbors like the Cories try to sneak in, things can get tense and even a bit aggressive in the tank.
This can result in Kribensis bullying the Corydoras Catfish and affecting their quality of life in the long run.
However, some Cichlids can be different and may not act all crazy when Corydoras try to swim across their territory during spawning.
When Corydoras Eat Kribs’ Fry
Well, the fact that Cory Catfish don’t have any parental instincts tells you all there is to this problem. Unlike Kribensis, who are excellent parents, some Cories will eat their own fry!
So, we can’t expect them to stay timid near someone else’s fry, right?
They might become curious and try to nip on the small fry. They may even mistake it for algae or detritus!
If your tank is too big, then Krib parents won’t be able to guard their young effectively. This puts their babies at risk of being eaten by other fish.
Cories usually eat at night, so you won’t be able to tell who ate your Krib’s fry, especially if you have more species in the tank.
Lucky for Kribs, most Cories won’t do this because they are peaceful and simply not interested in their fish babies.
Kribensis Fin Nipping Behavior
Even though they are mostly timid, there are times when Kribs strike back with their fin nipping behavior.
There are several reasons why these fish may exhibit this behavior:
- Stress
- Overcrowded tank
- Mating period
- Disease
It is worth noting that this behavior is mostly hereditary within the Cichlidae family, so there is nothing much that you can do to prevent it. But, not all Kribensis will act this way.
In case you notice them nipping fins from your Cories, then the only cure here is to put them in a separate one-species tank.
Setting Up Your Kribensis & Corydoras Tank For Success
If you’re a fish keeper, you know that creating the perfect environment for your aquatic pets is essential to their well-being.
When introducing Cory Catfish to a community tank with Kribensis, it’s important to consider their specific needs, including their preferred water parameters, tank size, and the lots of hiding spots.
Choose The Right Tank Size
Whether you opt for an acrylic or glass tank is up to your personal preference. But the size of your tank matters if you plan to keep Kribensis with Corydoras.
You see, there has to be plenty of space for everyone to live happily.
If you have a cramped 5-gallon tank and try to keep more than a pair of Kribs along with Cories, then you may experience some territorial behavior between the two.
Instead, you should choose a spacious tank that is at least over 55 gallons. This way you will have no trouble establishing Krib-only and Corydoras-only territories.
Not to mention the fact that cleaning such a large tank is possible without removing the fish and it is easier than cleaning a small one!
Provide Enough Hiding Places
Providing enough hiding places for both of these species is crucial for them to get along!
Kribensis like their aquarium full of caves and caverns in which they can hide, build their family, and protect their young.
On the other hand, Corydoras fish enjoy lush tank vegetation and lots of gravel and rocks that they can explore with their little whiskers. They are natural cleaners, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning your tank gravel – Cories will do it for you.
Cories also seem to like when there is very little light in the tank, so they will make use of any caves and hiding places.
You just have to make sure to divide their territories to avoid potential fin nipping and arguments.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to keeping Kribensis with Corydoras, it’s important to take a few things into consideration.
- Conflicts can happen fast if both of them don’t have enough safe hiding places to call their own.
- Kribs can become territorial during breeding season and may not tolerate Cories near their cave.
To avoid fishy arguments, make sure to choose a spacious tank and create a well-planted and decorated environment with plenty of hiding places!
Hi fellow aquarists, I’m Ava and I’ve been an enthusiastic aquarium hobbyist for over four years now.
I’ve been amazed by these beautiful creatures since I was a kid and I’m thrilled to be sharing everything I’ve learned over the years with anyone who’s as passionate about the topic as I am.