How is it different from other corydoras?

While most corydoras spend their time on the substrate, Corydoras hastatus schools in the middle of the water column instead. It's also one of the smallest corydoras, reaching only about 2.4 to 3.2 cm.

Is it suitable for beginners?

This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Its small size makes it more sensitive to water quality changes, so some prior fishkeeping experience helps.

How many should I keep together?

Since it's a schooling fish, it shows its natural behavior best in a proper group rather than alone or in a pair. Choose a group size that fits comfortably in your tank.

Can it be kept with other fish?

It's peaceful and rarely bothers other fish. Because of its small size, though, it's best to avoid large or aggressive tankmates and stick with similarly sized, calm species.

Is it subject to CITES?

Corydoras hastatus is not subject to CITES. That's worth keeping in mind as a reference point when considering keeping this species.

Dwarf Corydoras

Corydoras hastatus is one of the smallest Corydoras species, reaching just 2.4 to 3.2 cm as an adult. Unlike most corydoras that stay glued to the substrate, this species swims in loose schools through the middle of the water column, with a small black diamond-shaped mark at the base of the tail as its signature feature. Its temperament is extremely peaceful, and it rarely bothers other fish. Because of its tiny size, though, care is needed when choosing tankmates and food small enough for it to eat. Suited to intermediate keepers, dwarf corydoras show their best character when kept in a proper-sized group rather than alone.

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Dwarf Corydoras key facts

Care level: Intermediate
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Size: 2.4-3.2cm
Temperature: 20〜26℃
Diet: Sinking dried foods, Artemia, Daphnia
Tank: A 60 x 30cm base and about 54 litres is the minimum. Because it swims in midwater, open swimming space matters as much as floor area.
Water Temperature & Quality: 20-26C, pH 6.0-7.5, 2-12dGH. FishBase records pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19dH in the wild.
Tank Mates: Extremely peaceful and gregarious; keep at least 4-6 and ideally 10 or more. Pair it with similarly sized fish such as small characins, never with large species.
Diet & Feeding: Partly adapted to pelagic zooplankton. Alongside sinking dried food, offer live Daphnia and Artemia regularly.
Breeding & Spawning: Two or more males per female. Repeat daily 50-70 percent water changes with soft, cooler water. Eggs hatch in 3-4 days and fry take microworm and Artemia nauplii.
Health & Notes: Its small size makes it vulnerable to poor water quality and starvation. Fit a sponge guard over filter intakes. IUCN status is Least Concern.

TraitsSmall speciesCorydorasFreshwater fishShoaling

About Dwarf Corydoras

Dwarf Corydoras (Corydoras hastatus) is one of the smallest corydoras species, known for schooling in mid-water instead of staying on the substrate. Peaceful temperament, adult size 2.4–3.2 cm, suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Dwarf Corydoras

1Schools in Mid-Water
Unlike most corydoras that stay glued to the substrate, Corydoras hastatus swims and schools through the middle of the water column. It tends to look unsettled if kept alone or in small numbers, so keeping a proper group brings out its natural behavior.
2One of the Smallest Corydoras
Adults reach only about 2.4 to 3.2 cm, making this one of the smallest Corydoras species. Look for the black diamond-shaped mark at the base of the tail to identify it.
3A Very Peaceful Temperament
It rarely shows aggression and almost never chases other fish. It can be somewhat shy, though, so plants or driftwood that offer hiding spots help it settle in.
4Mind the Size Gap With Tankmates
Despite its calm nature, its small size means it's best to avoid large or boisterous tankmates. Choosing similarly sized, peaceful fish keeps things stress-free.
5Offer Small, Sinking Food
Its small mouth can struggle with standard-sized food. Use small sinking pellets or crumbled food, and check at feeding time that faster tankmates aren't eating it all.
6Keep a Proper-Sized Group
Because it's a schooling species, small numbers tend to leave it nervous and hiding. Bring home a group sized to your tank so you can enjoy its natural schooling behavior.
7Sensitive to Water Changes
Its small body makes it more affected by sudden shifts in water quality or temperature than larger fish. This species suits intermediate keepers who can maintain stable conditions through regular water changes and close observation.

Frequently asked questions about Dwarf Corydoras

Q.How is it different from other corydoras?: A.While most corydoras spend their time on the substrate, Corydoras hastatus schools in the middle of the water column instead. It's also one of the smallest corydoras, reaching only about 2.4 to 3.2 cm.
Q.Is it suitable for beginners?: A.This species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Its small size makes it more sensitive to water quality changes, so some prior fishkeeping experience helps.
Q.How many should I keep together?: A.Since it's a schooling fish, it shows its natural behavior best in a proper group rather than alone or in a pair. Choose a group size that fits comfortably in your tank.
Q.Can it be kept with other fish?: A.It's peaceful and rarely bothers other fish. Because of its small size, though, it's best to avoid large or aggressive tankmates and stick with similarly sized, calm species.
Q.Is it subject to CITES?: A.Corydoras hastatus is not subject to CITES. That's worth keeping in mind as a reference point when considering keeping this species.