๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 86/100
86/100 โ€” Compatible

Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra Compatibility Overview

Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful and Red Eye Tetra is semi, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each other. A minimum 20-gallon tank is recommended to provide adequate territory and water volume for both species.

Compatibility factors for Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra
FactorPygmy CorydorasRed Eye TetraVerdict
Temperature72โ€“79ยฐF72โ€“79ยฐFโœ… 72โ€“79ยฐF
pH Range6.0โ€“7.56.0โ€“8.0โœ… 6.0โ€“7.5
Temperamentpeacefulsemiโš ๏ธ Monitor
Adult Size1 in2.8 inโš ๏ธ 2.8ร— difference
Min. Group6+6+See below
Min. Tank Size20 gallons (for both species)โ€”

Compatibility Positives

A stable shared temperature range is available.
Their pH requirements overlap.
Temperament risk is relatively low when normal group sizes are maintained.

Caution Points

No major compatibility issues identified for this pair.

Species Profiles

Pygmy Corydoras โ€” Corydoras pygmaeus

Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra compatibility โ€” Pygmy Corydoras

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

โ†’ Full Pygmy Corydoras care guide

Red Eye Tetra โ€” Moenkhausia sanctaefilomenae

Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra compatibility โ€” Red Eye Tetra

The Red Eye Tetra is a popular freshwater fish known for its vibrant red eyes and sleek, silver body. They are generally peaceful and can be kept in a community tank with other non-aggressive species. Their moderate activity level makes them suitable for a variety of aquarium setups. With proper care, they can live up to 5 years.

โ†’ Full Red Eye Tetra care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pygmy Corydoras live with Red Eye Tetra?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful and Red Eye Tetra is semi, so give them room and cover rather than assuming they will ignore each 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 Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra together?

A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for keeping Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra together. A larger tank improves water stability and reduces territorial conflict.

What temperature suits both Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra?

72โ€“79ยฐF โ€” inside Pygmy Corydoras's 72โ€“79ยฐF and Red Eye Tetra's 72โ€“79ยฐF.

Is a Pygmy Corydoras aggressive toward a Red Eye Tetra?

Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful and Red Eye Tetra is semi. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Pygmy Corydoras and Red Eye Tetra

Use the scenario that matches the actual group sizes and temperament you plan to keep.

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable27 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community40 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup75 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.