Can Corydoras Catfish Live With Pygmy Corydoras? Compatibility Guide

Compatibility Overview

Corydoras Catfish and Pygmy Corydoras can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 40-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

Factor	Corydoras Catfish	Pygmy Corydoras	Verdict
Temperature	70–79°F	72–79°F	✅ 72–79°F
pH Range	6.0–8.0	6.0–7.5	✅ 6.0–7.5
Temperament	peaceful	peaceful	✅ Compatible
Adult Size	2.5 in	1 in	⚠️ 2.5× difference
Min. Group	6+	6+	See below
Min. Tank Size	40 gallons (for both species)		—

✅ Compatibility Positives

✅Good temperature overlap: both species thrive at 72–79°F.

✅pH ranges are compatible: workable range is 6.0–7.5.

✅Both species are peaceful — low aggression risk.

✅Similar size range (2.5 in vs 1 in) — no significant predation risk.

✅Both species are schooling fish — keep Corydoras Catfish in groups of 6+ and Pygmy Corydoras in groups of 6+.

⚠️ Caution Points

✅No major compatibility issues identified for this pair.

Species Profiles

Corydoras Catfish — Corydoras spp.

Armoured bottom-dwelling catfish that are peaceful with all non-aggressive species. Need fine sand substrate to protect delicate barbels.

→ Full Corydoras Catfish care guide

Pygmy Corydoras — Corydoras pygmaeus

Tiny armoured catfish that school in open water as well as on the substrate. Peaceful with all non-aggressive species.

→ Full Pygmy Corydoras care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Corydoras Catfish live with Pygmy Corydoras?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Corydoras Catfish and Pygmy Corydoras can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 40-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

What tank size do I need for Corydoras Catfish and Pygmy Corydoras together?

A minimum of 40 gallons is recommended for keeping Corydoras Catfish and Pygmy Corydoras together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Corydoras Catfish and Pygmy Corydoras?

72–79°F

Is a Corydoras Catfish aggressive toward a Pygmy Corydoras?

Corydoras Catfish is peaceful and Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

📖 Corydoras Catfish Encyclopedia 📖 Pygmy Corydoras Encyclopedia 🔄 All Compatibility Guides 🛠️ Compatibility Checker Tool 📋 Fish Care Guides 💧 Water Parameter Checker