Yes, you can keep bristlenose plecos with cory catfish. However, because both species are bottom-dwellers, you need to get a large enough tank that extends more horizontally than vertically so that these fish can swim and live comfortably.
A single bristlenose pleco needs at least 25 gallons of water to live comfortably, while a cory catfish requires 10–15 gallons of water.
Also, try to introduce them into the tank while they are still juveniles. That way, the plecos and cory catfish can get used to each other. This will help prevent aggression over territories in the future.
Aside from cory catfish, here are other fish species that will make excellent tank mates for bristlenose plecos:
- Guppies
- Tetras
- Minnows
- Mollies
- Platies
- Gouramis
- Cherry barbs
- Tiger barbs
- Zebra danios
- Hatchetfish
- Silver dollars
- Clown loaches
- Kuhli loaches
