Plan for the school, not just one fish.
Pygmy Corydoras are a small species, but they are not a solitary one. They are at their best when there is company to move with, places to pause, and a calm aquarium that does not make every meal a competition. That is why group size matters more than chasing the smallest possible tank.
For a first school, Bob’s care guide recommends 6 to 8 Pygmy Corydoras, with 10 or more ideal when the aquarium gives them the room. A larger group can look more natural as the fish hover, forage, and travel through the middle and lower parts of a planted tank. Keep the choice practical: tank dimensions, filtration, water stability, and existing livestock all matter.
Set up the aquarium before delivery day.
A small, peaceful planted aquarium gives these fish the conditions they need to settle. The care guide calls for at least 10 gallons for a small school, fine sand for their sensitive barbels, and water between 72 and 79°F with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Give the tank time to mature, and make sure the fish will arrive to clean, stable water rather than a setup still finding its balance.
They suit gentle community aquariums with small peaceful tetras, rasboras, shrimp, or snails. Avoid aggressive species and especially fast feeders that can take over at mealtime. Plants and wood are useful not because the fish need a showpiece, but because cover breaks up open space and makes a small aquarium feel less exposed.