Can bristlenose plecos live with corydoras?

Yes, they make good tankmates. Good tankmates. Keep both at 72–78°F.

By Andy · Updated October 31, 2026 · Tankmate guide

Yes, they make good tankmates. Good tankmates. Keep both at 72–78°F.

Yes

Verdict

72–78°F

Shared temperature

20 gal

Smallest tank

The two fish side by side

Fish	Adult size	Temperature	Min. tank	Keep	Watch for
Bristlenose pleco	5 in	72–80°F	20 gal	Alone or as a pair	peaceful
Corydoras (bronze or peppered)	2.5 in	70–78°F	20 gal	6 or more	peaceful

Set the heater to about 75°F, in the middle of the range they share (72–78°F).
Use a tank of at least 20 gallons. Check the numbers with the stocking calculator.
Keep corydoras in a group of 6 or more. A big group is calmer and more colorful.
Bristlenose plecos feed on the bottom, so drop in sinking pellets or wafers after the lights go out.
Corydoras feed on the bottom, so drop in sinking pellets or wafers after the lights go out.
Add plenty of plants and cover so every fish can get out of sight.

For bristlenose plecos: Angelfish, Amano shrimp, Black skirt tetra, Cardinal tetra, Cherry barb, Cherry shrimp
For corydoras: Angelfish, Betta (male), Guppy, Tiger barb, Amano shrimp, Black skirt tetra

Want to check a whole tank? Pick up to 8 fish in the fish compatibility checker, which opens with this pair already filled in.

Planning a whole tank? Your First Aquarium includes ready-made stocking plans and care cards for 15 beginner fish. Get the guide for $12