Guppy and Pygmy Corydoras Compatibility Overview
Short answer: Yes. Both do well at 72-79°F and both are peaceful. Match the tank size and group size in the table below and both should do well.
Guppy and Pygmy Corydoras can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
| Factor | Guppy | Pygmy Corydoras | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–82°F | 72–79°F | ✅ 72–79°F |
| pH Range | 6.8–8.5 | 6.0–7.5 | ⚠️ 6.8–7.5 (narrow) |
| Temperament | peaceful | peaceful | ✅ Compatible |
| Adult Size | 2.5 in | 1 in | ⚠️ 2.5× difference |
| Min. Group | 3+ | 6+ | See below |
| Min. Tank Size | 20 gallons (for both species) | — | |
Compatibility Positives
Caution Points
Species Profiles
Guppy — Poecilia reticulata
Hardy and colourful livebearers. Males' long flowing tails make them targets for fin-nipping species. Very prolific breeders.
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 Guppy live with Pygmy Corydoras?
Yes, in a well-planned setup. Guppy and Pygmy Corydoras can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Both species are peaceful, and neither poses a major aggression risk to the other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.
What tank size do I need for Guppy and Pygmy Corydoras together?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Guppy and Pygmy Corydoras together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.
What temperature suits both Guppy and Pygmy Corydoras?
72–79°F — inside Guppy's 72–82°F and Pygmy Corydoras's 72–79°F.
Is a Guppy aggressive toward a Pygmy Corydoras?
Guppy is peaceful and Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.
More Good Tank Mates for Guppy and Pygmy Corydoras
The highest-scoring compatible partners for each species in our compatibility data.
For Guppy
- Molly — 96/100
- Neon Rainbowfish — 96/100
- Clown Pleco — 95/100
- Pearl Danio — 93/100
- Zebra Danio — 93/100
For Pygmy Corydoras
- Black Neon Tetra — 98/100
- Glowlight Danio — 98/100
- Harlequin Rasbora — 98/100
- Lemon Tetra — 98/100
- Neon Tetra — 98/100
Related Compatibility Guides
Tank Size for Guppy 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 | 20 gal | Only for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring. |
| Recommended community | 29 gal | Adds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior. |
| Low-conflict setup | 55 gal | Best when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure. |