Can neon tetras live with pygmy corys?

Verdict
Yes

Yes. Neon tetras and pygmy corys make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 10 gal.

Neon tetraNeon tetra72–79°F · pH 6–7 Pygmy coryPygmy cory72–79°F · pH 6–7.5

Why it works

Water side by side

55°60°65°70°75°80°85°90°Both: 72–79°Neon tetra 72–79°Pygmy cory 72–79°
The green band is the temperature range both can live in.
456789Both: 6–7Neon tetra 6–7Pygmy cory 6–7.5
The green band is the pH both tolerate.

Size to scale

Neon tetra · 1.5 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

Neon tetraPygmy cory
Temperature72–79 °F72–79 °F
pH6–76–7.5
Adult size1.5 in1.0 in
Minimum tank10 gal10 gal
TemperamentPeacefulPeaceful
Swims atMiddleMiddle
GroupGroups of 6+Groups of 6+
DietOmnivoreOmnivore

Better tank mates for neon tetras

All neon tetra tank mates

Better tank mates for pygmy corys

All pygmy cory tank mates

Questions

Can neon tetras live with pygmy corys?

Yes. Neon tetras and pygmy corys make a good pair. Both are fine at 72–79°F. Plan on at least 10 gal.

What temperature suits both neon tetras and pygmy corys?

72–79 °F. Neon tetras need 72–79 °F, pygmy corys need 72–79 °F.

What size tank do neon tetras and pygmy corys need together?

At least 10 gal, set by the neon tetra. Add space for each extra fish.