© Birger A / CC BY-SA 3.0Pygmy Corydoras
Pygmy Corydoras are an ultra-small species of catfish that stay just 2 to 3 cm as adults. Unlike most catfish that stick to the substrate, they have the unusual habit of shoaling in mid-water, making their playful group swimming a real highlight in nano tanks. They're calm, sociable fish that do best kept in groups, and they readily accept prepared and frozen foods, which is part of why they're considered suitable for beginners. With a lifespan of around 3 to 5 years, they're a species you can enjoy for a good while even in a small setup. Watching their tiny, active bodies dart through the water is simply relaxing to watch.
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Apply as a breederPygmy Corydoras key facts
- Care level
- Beginner-friendly
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Size
- 2-3cm
- Temperature
- 22〜26℃
- Diet
- Pellets, Frozen food
- Water
- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5)
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Maintain 22-26°C. Keep the water slightly acidic to neutral and avoid sudden changes. As with all corydoras, fine sand is the ideal substrate.
- Housing
- Highly social; in groups of 10 or more it schools in mid-water as well as on the bottom. Well suited to schooling in nano tanks.
- Diet & Feeding
- Being tiny, it does best on fine powdered food, finely crushed tablets, frozen daphnia and brine shrimp.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- Peaceful and compatible with many small fish and shrimp, but its small size makes housing with large-mouthed fish dangerous.
- Breeding & Egg-laying
- It spawns in the T-position typical of corydoras, attaching eggs to glass or plants. Eggs are easily eaten by other fish, so isolate them.
About Pygmy Corydoras
An ultra-small Corydoras that shoals in mid-water, ideal for nano tanks and beginners. Grows to 2-3 cm and lives 3-5 years.
7 things to know before welcoming a Pygmy Corydoras
1Mid-water shoaling habit
Unlike most Corydoras that stay near the substrate, Pygmy Corydoras swim as a shoal in the mid-water column. This behavior is most visible when kept in a group rather than alone.
2Stays tiny even as an adult
Even fully grown, this species stays around 2 to 3 cm, making it easy to keep alongside other small fish or in tanks with limited space.
3Well suited to nano tanks
Its small size makes it manageable in a nano tank. Because it shoals by nature, keeping several individuals together rather than a single fish helps it settle in and behave naturally.
4Beginner-friendly care level
This species is considered suitable for beginners. It readily accepts both prepared and frozen foods, making feeding straightforward.
5Sensitive to sudden water changes
Being so small, it can be sensitive to sudden shifts in water quality or temperature. Taking time to acclimate it slowly when introducing it to a tank is recommended.
6Peaceful temperament for community tanks
It has a calm temperament and rarely bothers other fish, making it a good fit for community tanks with similarly small, peaceful species.
7Lifespan of about 3 to 5 years
Its typical lifespan is around 3 to 5 years. Despite its tiny size, consistent water quality maintenance can help it live a long, healthy life.
Frequently asked questions about Pygmy Corydoras
- Q.How many Pygmy Corydoras should be kept together?
- A.Since they naturally shoal in mid-water, keeping several individuals together rather than just one tends to bring out their natural behavior. Adjust the group size to fit comfortably within your tank.
- Q.What should I feed Pygmy Corydoras?
- A.They readily eat both prepared and frozen foods. Since they're so small, choosing fine-grained food makes it easier for them to eat.
- Q.Is this species suitable for beginners?
- A.This species is generally considered suitable for beginners. That said, being small, it does require care to avoid sudden changes in water quality.
- Q.Can it be kept with other fish?
- A.Its peaceful temperament generally makes it easy to keep with other calm fish of similar size. It's best to avoid housing it with aggressive or much larger fish.
- Q.Is this species regulated under CITES?
- A.Pygmy Corydoras are not subject to CITES regulation.
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