Compatibility brief
Can Bala / silver shark live with Corydoras Catfish?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: low
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
500L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 500L (larger active fish often want more length).
Corydoras Catfish is small enough to tempt Bala / silver shark, but its armour and spines put most fish off. Expect some harassment rather than predation — give it cover and keep an eye on it.
Assessment details
Compatible temperaments
Both Bala / silver shark and Corydoras Catfish share a peaceful temperament.
Bala / silver shark may harass Corydoras Catfish
Top issueCorydoras Catfish is small enough to tempt Bala / silver shark, but its armoured, spined body deters most opportunistic predators. Monitor closely and provide cover.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
“Bala / silver shark may harass Corydoras Catfish”
Bala / silver shark may harass Corydoras Catfish
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Bala / silver shark should be kept in a group of at least 5 for best health and behaviour.
- •Corydoras Catfish should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- •Bala / silver shark reaches ~35cm: tank length and turning room matter more than the litre number. A tall, short tank of the same volume is not equivalent.
- Seriously Fish. Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Balantiocheilos melanopterus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Seriously Fish. Corydoras paleatus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Corydoras paleatus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Corydoras paleatus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Bala / silver shark + Corydoras Catfish
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree. At least one species here has common trade-name ambiguity.