Compatibility brief
Can Angelfish live with Pygmy Corydoras?
Caution. Check the issues below before buying.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: medium
How we decideFishori checks adult size and predation risk, behaviour, water requirements and tank needs before giving a verdict.
150L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 150L (larger active fish often want more length).
Pygmy Corydoras is small enough to tempt Angelfish, but its armour and spines put most fish off. Expect some harassment rather than predation — give it cover and keep an eye on it.
Temperament gap (semi-aggressive vs peaceful) — needs space, structure, and careful observation, not a “drop and forget” mix.
Assessment details
Temperament difference
Top issueAngelfish is semi-aggressive, while Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful. Expect chasing or stress unless the tank is large and heavily structured — monitor closely.
Angelfish may harass Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras is small enough to tempt Angelfish, but its armoured, spined body deters most opportunistic predators. Monitor closely and provide cover.
Narrow temperature overlap
Angelfish and Pygmy Corydoras have only a narrow shared temperature range. Maintaining stable water temperature will be important.
“Angelfish is semi-aggressive, while Pygmy Corydoras is peaceful”
Temperament difference
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual breaks so Pygmy Corydoras can escape if harassed.
- •Pygmy Corydoras should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Pterophyllum scalare
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Pterophyllum scalare
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Pterophyllum scalare
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- Seriously Fish. Corydoras pygmaeus
Primary: aquarium size, water chemistry, behaviour, and compatibility (URL verified in upgrade script; recheck if site content changes).
- FishBase. Corydoras pygmaeus
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Corydoras pygmaeus
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
Try this next
Build the full stocking list with Angelfish + Pygmy Corydoras
Plan further
Check each species’ mates list, size the glass, then verify the full stock in the builder. Methodology explains how verdicts are produced.
Individual fish vary in personality. Fishori uses conservative hobby rules. Observe any new introduction closely, feed thoughtfully, and keep a quarantine or backup plan. This is not veterinary advice.
Profile data confidence: high. Checked against several solid care sources that mostly agree.