Who Gives A Fish Forums

What's the best corydoras pair for a 20 gallon tank? I've got sand substrate and a few plants, but I'm not sure which species would thrive together. Looking for something active but not too aggressive.

Yo, I'd go with Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras Panda. They're chill together and both love sand. Sterbai are a bit bigger but they vibe well with the smaller Pandas. Just make sure your water's warm enough, like 75-80F.

I've had success with Corydoras Julii and Corydoras Habrosus in my 20 gallon. They're both small and peaceful, and they don't compete for space. The Julii are more active during the day, while the Habrosus come out more at night.

Honestly, any corys will work as long as you don't mix them with something sketchy like a betta. I threw in some random corys from my LFS and they're doing great. Just keep the water clean and they'll be fine.

I'd recommend Corydoras Aeneus and Corydoras Pygmaeus. The Aeneus are hardy and the Pygmaeus add a nice contrast with their tiny size. Just watch the Pygmaeus around bigger tankmates, they can get stressed.

Cobyx wrote: ↑Fri Aug 01, 2025 3:17 pm Yo, I'd go with Corydoras Sterbai and Corydoras Panda. They're chill together and both love sand. Sterbai are a bit bigger but they vibe well with the smaller Pandas. Just make sure your water's warm enough, like 75-80F.

I agree with this. Sterbai are also more tolerant of higher temps, which is great if you've got other tropical fish in there.

Corydoras Paleatus and Corydoras Hastatus are a fun pair. The Paleatus are super active and the Hastatus are tiny but bold. They'll keep your tank lively without causing any drama.

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'm leaning toward the Sterbai and Panda combo. Appreciate the help!

No prob, dude. Just remember to acclimate them slow. Corys can be sensitive to sudden changes, especially if your LFS water's way different from yours.

Also, make sure your sand isn't too coarse. Fine sand is best for their barbels. Rough substrate can cause infections over time.