Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) Care Guide
One of the smallest catfish species, native to the Rio Madeira basin. Unusually for the genus, it actively swims in mid-water, making it ideal for nano aquariums.
Overview
Corydoras pygmaeus is a dwarf armored catfish in the family Callichthyidae, growing to barely 3 cm. Unlike most members of the genus it spends much of its time swimming in mid-water in shoals, behaviour that makes it visually striking in heavily planted nano tanks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras pygmaeus
Habitat
Native to small tributaries and creeks within the Rio Madeira basin in western Brazil, with records also from Peru (Nanay River) and Ecuador (Aguarico River). Natural habitats are shaded by dense forest, with leaf litter and submerged wood over sand.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 30 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C
- pH: 6.5-7.5
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- School size: at least 8 individuals
- Lifespan: 3-4 years
- Adult size: 2-3 cm
Diet
An omnivore with a very small mouth that requires correspondingly small foods. It accepts crushed dried foods, sifted Daphnia, microworms and freshly hatched Artemia nauplii. Frequent small feedings work better than large portions.
Compatibility
Highly social and shy, this species must be kept in groups of at least eight to display natural mid-water shoaling. Best housed with similarly small, peaceful tankmates such as Ember Tetra, Chili Rasbora, Otocinclus and Cherry Shrimp. Larger fish, including Angelfish and Bettas, may treat pygmies as prey.
Breeding
Breeding follows the standard Corydoras pattern. Females deposit about 100 sticky eggs onto plants and glass after the typical T-position courtship. Eggs hatch within three days, and the very small fry require infusoria before progressing to microworms and Artemia nauplii.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species has a broad range and is now produced in large numbers by commercial breeders.