🐠 Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Dwarf Gourami Live With Pygmy Corydoras?

✅ Compatible — Compatibility Score: 75/100
75/100 — Compatible

Compatibility Overview

Dwarf Gourami 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 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

FactorDwarf GouramiPygmy CorydorasVerdict
Temperature72–82°F72–79°F✅ 72–79°F
pH Range6.0–7.56.0–7.5✅ 6.0–7.5
Temperamentsemipeaceful⚠️ Monitor
Adult Size3.5 in1 in⚠️ 3.5× difference
Min. Group1+6+See below
Min. Tank Size55 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.
Pygmy Corydoras must be kept in groups of 6+.

⚠️ Caution Points

⚠️Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.
⚠️Significant size difference (3.5 in vs 1 in) — the larger species may out-compete for food or intimidate the smaller.

Species Profiles

Dwarf Gourami — Trichogaster lalius

Colourful labyrinth fish that is generally peaceful but can be territorial toward similar species. Susceptible to Dwarf Gourami Iridovirus.

→ Full Dwarf Gourami 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 Dwarf Gourami live with Pygmy Corydoras?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Dwarf Gourami 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 55-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

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

A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended for keeping Dwarf Gourami and Pygmy Corydoras together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Dwarf Gourami and Pygmy Corydoras?

72–79°F

Is a Dwarf Gourami aggressive toward a Pygmy Corydoras?

Dwarf Gourami is semi and Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful. Minor aggression possible from the semi-aggressive species; provide hiding spots.