Compatibility Overview
Discus and Pygmy Corydoras are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
| Factor | Discus | Pygmy Corydoras | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82–88°F | 72–79°F | ❌ No overlap |
| pH Range | 5.0–7.0 | 6.0–7.5 | ✅ 6.0–7.0 |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | ⚠️ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 8 in | 1 in | ❌ 8× difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | — | |
✅ Compatibility Positives
❌ Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Discus — Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' — beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Pygmy Corydoras — Corydoras pygmaeus
Tiny armoured catfish that school in open water as well as on the substrate. Peaceful with all non-aggressive species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Discus live with Pygmy Corydoras?
Generally not recommended. Discus and Pygmy Corydoras are generally not recommended to be housed together. The issues listed above — whether water parameter incompatibility, predation risk, or aggression — create conditions where one or both fish are likely to suffer harm or chronic stress.
What tank size do I need for Discus and Pygmy Corydoras together?
A minimum of 100 gallons is recommended for keeping Discus and Pygmy Corydoras together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Discus and Pygmy Corydoras?
No overlap
Is a Discus aggressive toward a Pygmy Corydoras?
Discus is semi and Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful. Temperature ranges do not overlap: Discus needs 82–88°F; Pygmy Corydoras needs 72–79°F.