What size tank do pygmy corydoras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Corydoras pygmaeus.
How many pygmy corydoras in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if pygmy corydoras are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many pygmy corydoras |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | up to 11 |
| 20 gallon long | up to 22 |
| 29 gallon | up to 33 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 45 |
| 55 gallon | 60 or more |
| 75 gallon | 60 or more |
| 125 gallon | 60 or more |
Check pygmy corydoras against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 8. Alone or in twos and threes, pygmy corydoras hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for pygmy corydoras
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
Poor matches
- Angelfish: Angelfish (about 6 in) can eat pygmy corydoras (about 1 in).
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as pygmy corydoras.
- Molly: Molly (about 4 in) can eat pygmy corydoras (about 1 in).
Questions and answers
What size tank do pygmy corydoras need?
At least 10 gallons (38 liters) for a group of 8. The smallest standard tank that works is the 10 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many pygmy corydoras should be kept together?
At least 8. Pygmy corydoras are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.
Can pygmy corydoras live in a 10 gallon tank?
Yes. A 10 gallon tank carries up to about 11 as the only fish in the tank.
What temperature do pygmy corydoras need?
72–79 °F (22–26 °C), with a pH of 6.2–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.
Can pygmy corydoras live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 10 gallons (38 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–79 °F (24–26 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
- Panda corydoras
- Peppered corydoras
- Sterba's corydoras
- Otocinclus
- Bristlenose pleco
- Common pleco
- All 81 species
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.