Can African Cichlid Live With Pygmy Corydoras?
❌Not Compatible
Incompatible pH. African Cichlid needs 7.8–8.6, Pygmy Corydoras needs 6.0–7.5.
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Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | African Cichlid | Pygmy Corydoras | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 76–82°F | 72–79°F | 76–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 7.8–8.6 | 6–7.5 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | aggressive | peaceful | Aggression risk ✗ |
| Max Size | 8" | 1" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 55 gal | 10 gal | 55 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Varies by species | Omnivore | — |
| Care Level | intermediate | beginner | — |
Species Profiles
African Cichlid
Various (Mbuna, Peacock, Hap)
intermediateaggressive55+ gal
African cichlids from Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria are among the most colorful freshwater fish. They are active, intelligent, and aggressive — requiring specific tank setups with plenty of rock formations and overstock strategies to manage aggression.
Full care guide →Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
beginnerpeaceful10+ gal
Pygmy corydoras are tiny, adorable catfish that max out at just 1 inch. Unlike other corys that stay on the bottom, pygmy corys are unique in that they frequently swim in the mid-water column, hovering in groups like tiny helicopters. They are perfect for nano tanks and shrimp tanks, and their micro-schooling behavior is endlessly entertaining.
Full care guide →Other Compatible Tank Mates
For African Cichlid:
For Pygmy Corydoras:
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