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Fish guides / Pygmy corydoras
Bottom dwellers

Pygmy Corydoras: Tank Size, Tank Mates and Setup

A one-inch corydoras that fits a 10-gallon tank. Keep six or more.

Minimum tank
10 gallons
Temperature
72–79°F
Group size
6 or more
Adult size
1 inBottom of the tank
  • Often swims in midwater with small tetras and rasboras.

Corydoras pygmaeus. Figures are commonly published care ranges; see how it works.

How many pygmy corydoras per tank size

The most you could keep if pygmy corydoras were the only species. Open a size in the builder to add tank mates.

TankPygmy corydoras, kept alone
5 gallonToo small (needs 10+ gal)
10 gallonUp to 13Plan this tank
20 gallonUp to 32Plan this tank
29 gallonUp to 52Plan this tank
40 gallonUp to 72Plan this tank
55 gallonUp to 99Plan this tank
75 gallonUp to 135Plan this tank

What you need for pygmy corydoras in a 10-gallon tank

A starting setup: 6 pygmy corydoras in the smallest standard tank that suits them.

Your blueprint

10-gallon tank

6 pygmy corydoras
Stocking level40% · Good
  • These fit a 10-gallon tank and get along. Aim for about 76°F.

Equipment, sized for this tank

Tank: 10 gallons
Standard size: 20 × 10 × 12 inches, about 111 lbs when full.
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Heater: 50 watts
Holds 10 gallons at 76°F in a 68°F room.
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Hang-on-back filter: 50+ gallons per hour
Turns the tank over about 5 times an hour.
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Aquarium sand: 18 lbs
A 1.5-inch layer. Sand protects bottom dwellers that dig and sift.
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LED light and lid: 20 inches long
A lid cuts evaporation and stops fish and snails getting out.
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Starter supplies

Water conditioner
Removes chlorine from tap water. Roughly 1 mL per full fill; follow your bottle's label.
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Liquid water test kit
For cycling the tank before fish go in, and for checking water after.
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Thermometer
A heater's dial is only a rough guide.
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Gravel vacuum
For weekly water changes of about 3 gallons (25%).
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Sinking wafers for bottom feeders
For your pygmy corydoras.
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Paid links. As an Amazon Associate, TankStarter earns from qualifying purchases. Sizes are estimates from published care guidelines, not hands-on testing.

Pygmy corydoras tank mates

These share a temperature range and temperament with pygmy corydoras, with no warnings from our checks.

Use caution with: angelfish, fancy goldfish. Add them in the builder to see why.

Plan a tank around pygmy corydoras

Add tank mates, check the stocking level and get the equipment sized for your tank.

Open the tank builder

Pygmy corydoras questions

What size tank does a pygmy corydoras need?

At least 10 gallons for a group of 6. A larger tank is more stable and gives you more choice of tank mates.

How many pygmy corydoras can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?

Up to about 13 if they are the only species in the tank. Fewer if you add other fish.

Do pygmy corydoras need a heater?

Usually yes. Pygmy corydoras does best at 72–79°F, which is warmer than most rooms. A 10-gallon tank needs about 50 watts in a 68°F room.

What fish can live with pygmy corydoras?

Good matches include bettas, neon tetras, cardinal tetras, ember tetras, rummy-nose tetras, black skirt tetras. They share a temperature range and temperament with pygmy corydoras.