Discus and Pygmy Corydoras Compatibility Overview
Discus and Pygmy Corydoras are generally not recommended to be housed together. The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF and Pygmy Corydoras needs 72โ79ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
| Factor | Discus | Pygmy Corydoras | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 82โ88ยฐF | 72โ79ยฐF | โ No overlap |
| pH Range | 5.0โ7.0 | 6.0โ7.5 | โ 6.0โ7.0 |
| Temperament | semi | peaceful | โ ๏ธ Monitor |
| Adult Size | 8 in | 1 in | โ 8ร difference |
| Min. Group | 5+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 100 gallons (for both species) | โ | |
Compatibility Positives
Incompatibility Reasons
Species Profiles
Discus โ Symphysodon spp.
The 'king of the aquarium' โ beautiful but demanding. Requires very warm, soft, acidic water that excludes most community fish.
Pygmy Corydoras โ 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 adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk. There is no shared temperature: Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF and Pygmy Corydoras needs 72โ79ยฐF. Review the behavior and water details before deciding whether to attempt the pairing.
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?
There is no safe shared range: Discus needs 82โ88ยฐF and Pygmy Corydoras needs 72โ79ยฐF.
Is a Discus aggressive toward a Pygmy Corydoras?
The adult size gap creates a meaningful predation risk.
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Discus and Pygmy Corydoras
Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.
| Scenario | Tank | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum viable | 100 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 150 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 220 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |