Dwarf Corydoras care guide
Dwarf Corydoras (Corydoras hastatus) — minimum tank 30 L, temperature 22-27 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Dwarf Corydoras (Corydoras hastatus) is one of the smallest members of the genus, native to the upper Amazon and Paraguay basins. Unusually among Corydoras, this species spends much of its time shoaling in mid-water rather than on the substrate.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras hastatus
- Common synonyms: Tail Spot Pygmy Cory, Micro Catfish
Habitat
Inhabits slow-moving tributaries, oxbow lakes and floodplain habitats of the Amazon, Madeira and upper Paraguay rivers in Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L (7.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 2-3.5 cm
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- School size: ≥10 individuals
Diet
A micro-predator that feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton. In aquaria offer micro-pellets, finely crushed flakes and small live or frozen foods such as cyclops and baby brine shrimp.
Compatibility
A peaceful, mid-water shoaling species. Best kept in a group of at least ten in a planted nano or community tank. Compatible with other small peaceful species (Boraras, small tetras, dwarf shrimp).
Breeding
Egg-laying. Cool water changes and conditioning on live foods stimulate spawning; eggs are deposited singly on plant leaves and tank glass.
Dwarf Corydoras (Corydoras hastatus) Breeding Guide
Overview
Corydoras hastatus is one of the smallest corydoras, growing to roughly 2.5-3.5 cm, and is unusual in spending much of its time in midwater among dense plants in large schools. It is an egg-depositing spawner that breeds following the typical Corydoras pattern.
Sexing
Females grow larger and become noticeably broader and deeper-bodied than males, while males are smaller and more slender with a more pointed dorsal fin.
Conditioning
Use a male-to-female ratio of at least two to one and condition the group well; this species suits cool, soft water for breeding.
Breeding Setup
Provide egg-deposition surfaces such as the aquarium glass, fine-leaved vegetation or sunken spawning mops, the mops being convenient for collecting eggs. A thin sand layer is preferred over a bare tank for raising fry.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Trigger spawning with large 50-70% water changes using cool, soft water while increasing oxygenation and flow, repeated daily until the fish spawn. In the classic single-egg method the female holds an egg between her pelvic fins where the male fertilises it for about thirty seconds; females lay roughly 7-15 eggs per day over three to four consecutive days, totalling about 30-60 eggs.
Egg & Fry Care
After spawning, remove either the adults or the eggs; many breeders add a few drops of methylene blue or an alder cone or two to prevent the eggs developing fungus. Eggs hatch in around three to nine days, and once the fry absorb their yolk sacs they take small live foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii. Rearing over a thin sand layer with excellent water quality improves survival, and the young mature in roughly six to eight months.
Common Challenges
The very small fry are delicate and need suitably tiny first foods and clean water, so the rearing phase is the most demanding part of breeding this species.