Can african cichlids live with pygmy corys?

Verdict
No

No. African cichlids and pygmy corys should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful pygmy corys.

African cichlidAfrican cichlid75–82°F · pH 7.8–8.6 Pygmy coryPygmy cory72–79°F · pH 6–7.5

What to watch

What works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 75–79°African cichlid 75–82°Pygmy cory 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789African cichlid 7.8–8.6Pygmy cory 6–7.5
No pH suits both. One would live in the wrong water all the time.

Size to scale

African cichlid · 5 inPygmy cory · 1 in0"1"2"3"4"5"6"
Adult length in an aquarium. A fish can swallow anything that fits in its mouth, roughly a third to half its own length for predators.

Care at a glance

African cichlidPygmy cory
Temperature75–82 °F72–79 °F
pH7.8–8.66–7.5
Adult size5.0 in1.0 in
Minimum tank55 gal10 gal
TemperamentAggressivePeaceful
Swims atAll levelsMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietHerbivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for african cichlids

All african cichlid tank mates

Better tank mates for pygmy corys

All pygmy cory tank mates

Questions

Can african cichlids live with pygmy corys?

No. African cichlids and pygmy corys should not share a tank. African cichlids are aggressive and will bully peaceful pygmy corys.

What temperature suits both african cichlids and pygmy corys?

75–79 °F. African cichlids need 75–82 °F, pygmy corys need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do african cichlids and pygmy corys need together?

At least 55 gal, set by the african cichlid. Add space for each extra fish.