Can Pygmy Corydoras Live With Yellow Tang?
Incompatible pH. Pygmy Corydoras needs 6.0–7.5, Yellow Tang needs 8.1–8.4.
Parameter Comparison
| Parameter | Pygmy Corydoras | Yellow Tang | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 75–82°F | 75–79°F ✓ |
| pH Range | 6–7.5 | 8.1–8.4 | No overlap ✗ |
| Temperament | peaceful | semi-aggressive | Monitor ⚠ |
| Max Size | 1" | 8" | Size mismatch ✗ |
| Min Tank Size | 10 gal | 75 gal | 75 gal minimum together |
| Diet | Omnivore | Herbivore | — |
| Care Level | beginner | intermediate | — |
Species Profiles
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
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 →Yellow Tang
Zebrasoma flavescens
The yellow tang is the most iconic reef tank fish — a solid lemon-yellow disc that constantly grazes algae across the rock work. They are active, hardy, and excellent algae controllers for reef tanks. However, they need large tanks (75+ gallons minimum), can be aggressive toward similar-shaped fish, and have become significantly more expensive following collection bans in Hawaii.
Full care guide →