Can Cherry Shrimp Live With Pygmy corydoras?

Pygmy corydoras do best alone or with other tiny species, and small freshwater shrimp are among the company they suit. At about 3 cm, a pygmy cory is the same length as an adult cherry shrimp, and its mouth is so small that all its food must be fine-grade.

Unlike most corys, pygmies spend much of their time hovering in the middle of the water column rather than on the bottom. Keep at least six, preferably ten or more: they shoal tightly and show more confidence in numbers, and they will school with other small fish too.

The water overlaps at 22 to 26 °C and pH 6.5 to 7.4. Pygmies need sand to protect their barbels, and a base of 45 by 30 cm is enough for a school. Feed crushed flake, micro pellets and small frozen foods such as daphnia for the corys, and shrimp food enriched with calcium and minerals for the cherries. Almost all fish eat baby shrimp, so keep some moss where the shrimplets can hide.