๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Pygmy Corydoras and Serpae Tetra Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 91/100
91/100 โ€” Compatible

Pygmy Corydoras and Serpae Tetra Compatibility Overview

Pygmy Corydoras and Serpae Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful and Serpae 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 Serpae Tetra
FactorPygmy CorydorasSerpae TetraVerdict
Temperature72โ€“79ยฐF68โ€“82ยฐFโœ… 72โ€“79ยฐF
pH Range6.0โ€“7.55.0โ€“7.5โœ… 6.0โ€“7.5
Temperamentpeacefulsemiโš ๏ธ Monitor
Adult Size1 in1.6 inโœ… Similar
Min. Group6+10+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 Serpae 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

Serpae Tetra โ€” Hyphessobrycon eques

Pygmy Corydoras and Serpae Tetra compatibility โ€” Serpae Tetra

The Serpae Tetra is a popular freshwater fish known for its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature. It is well-suited for community tanks and can be a great addition to any aquarium. With its moderate activity level and easy care requirements, it is a suitable choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

โ†’ Full Serpae Tetra care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pygmy Corydoras live with Serpae Tetra?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Pygmy Corydoras and Serpae Tetra can generally share an aquarium with appropriate planning. Both species prefer overlapping temperature and pH ranges. Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful and Serpae 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 Serpae Tetra together?

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

What temperature suits both Pygmy Corydoras and Serpae Tetra?

72โ€“79ยฐF โ€” inside Pygmy Corydoras's 72โ€“79ยฐF and Serpae Tetra's 68โ€“82ยฐF.

Is a Pygmy Corydoras aggressive toward a Serpae Tetra?

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

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Pygmy Corydoras and Serpae Tetra

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

ScenarioTankWhen it applies
Minimum viable20 galOnly for the recommended minimum groups, mature filtration, and close monitoring.
Recommended community29 galAdds territory, swimming room, and a safer buffer for behavior.
Low-conflict setup55 galBest when keeping larger schools or reducing territorial pressure.