Fish comparison
Panda Corydoras vs Pygmy Corydoras
How the Panda Corydoras and Pygmy Corydoras compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Panda Corydoras vs Pygmy Corydoras
The Panda 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 25 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. Neither is harder than the other to keep, so the choice comes down to look and stocking rather than skill. If tank space is tight, the Pygmy Corydoras needs less room to feel settled; give the Panda 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
- Panda Corydoras20–25 °C
- Pygmy Corydoras22–26 °C
pH
- Panda Corydoras6–7.5
- Pygmy Corydoras6–7.5
Hardness
- Panda Corydoras2–12 dGH
- Pygmy Corydoras2–10 dGH
What to plan for
- Panda Corydoras schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 panda corydoras. Panda 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 |  FishPanda CorydorasCorydoras panda |  FishPygmy CorydorasCorydoras pygmaeus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Rio Pachitea, Peru | Madeira River basin, Brazil |
| Family | Callichthyidae | Callichthyidae |
| Temperature | 20–25 °C | 22–26 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–12 | 2–10 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Min tank | 75 L | 40 L |
| Adult size | 4–5 cm | 2.5–3 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 5–10 yrs | 3–4 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore | 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 Panda Corydoras and Pygmy Corydoras together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 22 to 25 °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 Panda Corydoras or the Pygmy Corydoras?
They sit at the same care level, both beginner-friendly, so neither is the obvious beginner pick. The decision is really about the look you're after.
Do Panda Corydoras and Pygmy Corydoras need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 22 to 25 °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 Panda Corydoras and the Pygmy Corydoras?
Space. The Panda Corydoras wants about 75 litres minimum and the Pygmy Corydoras around 40, so tank size can settle it.