Fish comparison
Pygmy Corydoras vs Salt and Pepper Cory
How the Pygmy Corydoras and Salt and Pepper Cory compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Pygmy Corydoras vs Salt and Pepper Cory
The Pygmy Corydoras and the Salt and Pepper Cory 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. 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 Salt and Pepper Cory 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
- Pygmy Corydoras22–26 °C
- Salt and Pepper Cory22–26 °C
pH
- Pygmy Corydoras6–7.5
- Salt and Pepper Cory6–7.5
Hardness
- Pygmy Corydoras2–10 dGH
- Salt and Pepper Cory2–12 dGH
What to plan for
- 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.
- Salt and Pepper Cory schools, stock at least 8You've planned for 1 salt and pepper cory. Salt and Pepper Cory 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 |  FishPygmy CorydorasCorydoras pygmaeus |  FishSalt and Pepper CoryCorydoras habrosus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Madeira River basin, Brazil | Venezuela and Colombia |
| Family | Callichthyidae | Callichthyidae |
| Temperature | 22–26 °C | 22–26 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–10 | 2–12 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Min tank | 40 L | 45 L |
| Adult size | 2.5–3 cm | 2.5–3.5 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–4 yrs | 4–6 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore (sinking) | Omnivore |
| Water column | Mid (unusual for cory) | Bottom |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (adult shrimp) | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Pygmy Corydoras and Salt and Pepper Cory 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 Pygmy Corydoras or the Salt and Pepper Cory?
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 Pygmy Corydoras and Salt and Pepper Cory 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 Pygmy Corydoras and the Salt and Pepper Cory?
Space. The Pygmy Corydoras wants about 40 litres minimum and the Salt and Pepper Cory around 45, so tank size can settle it.