Fish comparison
Bronze Corydoras vs Pygmy Corydoras
How the Bronze Corydoras and Pygmy Corydoras compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Bronze Corydoras vs Pygmy Corydoras
The Bronze Corydoras and the Pygmy Corydoras are close cousins, both in the Corydoras group, so at a glance they ask for a lot of the same things. Both are happy somewhere around 22 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Bronze Corydoras is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Pygmy Corydoras rewards a bit more attention. If tank space is tight, the Pygmy Corydoras needs less room to feel settled; give the Bronze Corydoras the nod when you have the litres to spare.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
2 notes
Temperature
- Bronze Corydoras20–26 °C
- Pygmy Corydoras22–26 °C
pH
- Bronze Corydoras6–7.5
- Pygmy Corydoras6–7.5
Hardness
- Bronze Corydoras3–15 dGH
- Pygmy Corydoras2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- Bronze Corydoras schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 bronze corydoras. Bronze Corydoras need a group of at least 6 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
- Pygmy Corydoras schools, stock at least 8You've planned for 1 pygmy corydoras. Pygmy Corydoras need a group of at least 8 to feel safe and shoal naturally, below that they're stressed and lose colour. Dial up the count, or remove the species.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishBronze CorydorasCorydoras aeneus |  FishPygmy CorydorasCorydoras pygmaeus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | South America (Colombia, Trinidad to Argentina) | Madeira River basin, Brazil |
| Family | Callichthyidae | Callichthyidae |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C | 22–26 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 3–15 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Min tank | 80 L | 40 L |
| Adult size | 6–7 cm | 2.5–3 cm |
| Difficulty | 1 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 5–10 yrs | 3–4 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore (sinking food) | Omnivore (sinking) |
| Water column | Bottom | Mid (unusual for cory) |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes | Yes (adult shrimp) |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Bronze Corydoras and Pygmy Corydoras together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Bronze Corydoras or the Pygmy Corydoras?
The Bronze Corydoras is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Pygmy Corydoras leans beginner-friendly.
Do Bronze Corydoras and Pygmy Corydoras need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 26 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Bronze Corydoras and the Pygmy Corydoras?
Space. The Bronze Corydoras wants about 80 litres minimum and the Pygmy Corydoras around 40, so tank size can settle it.