Compatibility brief
Can Otocinclus live with Pygmy Corydoras?
Often a workable match in a suitable, well-run tank. Still verify behaviour in your setup.
In many setups, Otocinclus and Pygmy Corydoras are often kept together in a suitable peaceful community when temperature and pH are matched and the tank is sized for adults. Individual behaviour, filtration, and layout still decide whether it works in your home.
Compatibility score
Profile confidence: high
Order of checkstank volume vs adults → predation mouth gap → temperament / fin nipping → shared water windows.
60L
Combined minimum footprint reference for these two species: about 60L (larger active fish often want more length).
Assessment details
Compatible temperaments
Both Otocinclus and Pygmy Corydoras share a peaceful temperament.
Compatible temperature range
Both fish can comfortably share similar water temperatures.
Next steps
Concrete changes, not "research more" filler.
- •Otocinclus should be kept in a group of at least 4 for best health and behaviour.
- •Pygmy Corydoras should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
Try instead
- →Otocinclus should be kept in a group of at least 4 for best health and behaviour.
- →Pygmy Corydoras should be kept in a group of at least 6 for best health and behaviour.
- Seriously Fish. Otocinclus macrospilus (Otocinclus ‘affinis’ / trade oto stand-in)
Primary stand-in: SF profile for O. macrospilus. Shop 'O. affinis'/'otocinclus' labels are often misidentified. Verify the fish against a good key, not a single import sticker.
- FishBase. Otocinclus affinis
Secondary: taxonomy, distribution, and maximum length in nature; cross-check with aquarium import lines and measured tank parameters.
- Wikipedia. Otocinclus affinis
Secondary: general species context; verify all husbandry numbers against a dedicated aquarium care sheet and your test kit, not a single table row.
- FishBase. Otocinclus vittatus
Taxonomy, distribution, and typical max length in natural/wild contexts (cross-check to aquarium import lines).
- Wikipedia. Otocinclus
Encyclopaedia overview; use specialist aquarium sources for your stock's real temperature/pH/footprint needs.
- 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 Otocinclus + Pygmy Corydoras
Plan further
Try both species in the full-stock tank check, or open either fish profile for mates lists. 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. Based on multiple reputable aquarium care sources with strong agreement.