Can Pygmy Cory live with Swordtail?
Not recommended
Why
- Swordtail’s mouth is big enough to swallow Pygmy Cory (only 1" long) — it will be eaten.
- Only a narrow water hardness overlap — keep both around 12 dGH.
Side-by-side
| Pygmy Cory | Swordtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 72–79°F | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6–7.5 | 7–8.4 |
| Hardness (GH) | 2–12 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 Pygmy Cory (to keep Swordtail):
- Sparkling Gourami — 1.5", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Black Molly — 4", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
- Molly — 4", peaceful buy at Flip Aquatics · Flip Aquatics live-arrival guarantee
Instead of Swordtail (to keep 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
- 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 Pygmy Cory · …with Swordtail