๐Ÿ  Fish Compatibility Guide

Can Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory Live Together?

Updated September 23, 2026 ยท FishCare AI Editorial Team

โœ… Compatible โ€” Compatibility Score: 81/100
81/100 โ€” Compatible

Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory Compatibility Overview

Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory 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.

Compatibility factors for Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory
FactorPygmy CorydorasSterbai CoryVerdict
Temperature72โ€“79ยฐF75โ€“82ยฐFโœ… 75โ€“79ยฐF
pH Range6.0โ€“7.56.0โ€“7.6โœ… 6.0โ€“7.5
Temperamentpeacefulpeacefulโœ… Compatible
Adult Size1 in2.6 inโš ๏ธ 2.6ร— 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 Sterbai Cory 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

Sterbai Cory โ€” Corydoras sterbai

Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory compatibility โ€” Sterbai Cory

The Sterbai Cory, known for its dark brown coloration with silver spots, is a popular bottom-dwelling fish. With a peaceful temperament, it is well-suited for community tanks. It requires a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots and moderate water flow. Regular water changes and a balanced diet are essential for their health.

โ†’ Full Sterbai Cory care guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pygmy Corydoras live with Sterbai Cory?

Yes, in a well-planned setup. Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory 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 Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory together?

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

What temperature suits both Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory?

75โ€“79ยฐF โ€” inside Pygmy Corydoras's 72โ€“79ยฐF and Sterbai Cory's 75โ€“82ยฐF.

Is a Pygmy Corydoras aggressive toward a Sterbai Cory?

Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful and Sterbai Cory is peaceful. No major aggression issues are expected between these species.

Related Compatibility Guides

Tank Size for Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Cory

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.