Can Tail Spot Pygmy Cory live with Swordtail?
Not recommended
Why
- Swordtail’s mouth is big enough to swallow Tail Spot Pygmy Cory (only 1" long) — it will be eaten.
- No overlapping water hardness: Tail Spot Pygmy Cory wants 6–7.5 dGH but Swordtail wants 12–30 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Tail Spot Pygmy Cory | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.5–7.6 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 6–7.5 dGH | 12–30 dGH |
| Adult size | 1" | 5.5" |
| Temperament | Peaceful | Peaceful |
| Min tank | 10 gal | 29 gal |
Together, plan on at least 29 gallons.
Compatible alternatives
Instead of Tail Spot Pygmy Cory (to keep Swordtail):
- Emerald Cory (Brochis) — 3", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Bolivian Ram — 3.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Bristlenose Pleco — 5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Swordtail (to keep Tail Spot Pygmy Cory):
- Thick-lipped Gourami — 3.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Noble Gourami — 3", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Variatus Platy — 2.75", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Where to buy
- Tail Spot Pygmy Cory: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Swordtail: buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Live-animal shipping: add a heat pack below 50°F, expect weather holds above 90°F, and schedule delivery for a moderate week when someone can receive it promptly.
Build a full tank around this stocking →Everything compatible with Tail Spot Pygmy Cory · …with Swordtail