Fish comparison
Pygmy Corydoras vs Sterbai Corydoras
How the Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Corydoras compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which fish suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Pygmy Corydoras vs Sterbai Corydoras
The Pygmy Corydoras and the Sterbai 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 24 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 Sterbai 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
- Pygmy Corydoras22–26 °C
- Sterbai Corydoras24–30 °C
pH
- Pygmy Corydoras6–7.5
- Sterbai Corydoras6–7.5
Hardness
- Pygmy Corydoras2–10 dGH
- Sterbai Corydoras3–15 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.
- Sterbai Corydoras schools, stock at least 6You've planned for 1 sterbai corydoras. Sterbai 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.
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  FishPygmy CorydorasCorydoras pygmaeus |  FishSterbai CorydorasCorydoras sterbai |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Fish | Fish |
| Origin | Madeira River basin, Brazil | Rio Guaporé basin, Brazil & Bolivia |
| Family | Callichthyidae | Callichthyidae |
| Temperature | 22–26 °C | 24–30 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–10 | 3–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to Medium |
| Min tank | 40 L | 75 L |
| Adult size | 2.5–3 cm | 6–7 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 2 / 5 |
| Lifespan | 3–4 yrs | 5–10 yrs |
| Diet | Omnivore (sinking) | Omnivore (sinking) |
| Water column | Mid (unusual for cory) | Bottom |
| Schooling | Yes | Yes |
| Plant safe | Yes | Yes |
| Shrimp safe | Yes (adult shrimp) | 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 Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Corydoras together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 24 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 Sterbai 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 Pygmy Corydoras and Sterbai Corydoras need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 24 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 Sterbai Corydoras?
Space. The Pygmy Corydoras wants about 40 litres minimum and the Sterbai Corydoras around 75, so tank size can settle it.