Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Description
The Pygmy Corydoras is a small, peaceful freshwater catfish, known for its tiny size and lively nature. It has a slender body with a light brown to tan color, often speckled with darker spots or markings along its back and sides. Its small size makes it one of the smallest Corydoras species, typically growing only to about 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length. Pygmy Corydoras are active and social bottom-dwelling fish that thrive in groups. They use their sensitive barbels to forage for food in the substrate, helping to clean up leftover food, detritus, and algae. These fish are peaceful and make excellent additions to community tanks.
Habitat Origin
Native to the Amazon Basin in South America, particularly in Brazil, where they inhabit slow-moving, shallow streams and rivers with dense vegetation. They prefer soft, acidic water with plenty of hiding spots.
Aquarium
Ideal Number in Aquarium: At least 6 individuals, as they are schooling fish and feel more secure in groups.
Favorite Food
Pygmy Corydoras are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including sinking pellets, high-quality flake food, and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They also graze on algae, biofilm, and leftover food found on the substrate. A varied diet is essential for keeping them healthy and vibrant.
Behavior:
Pygmy Corydoras are peaceful, non-aggressive fish that do well in community aquariums. They are bottom-dwellers and prefer to stay close to the substrate, where they use their barbels to search for food. They are social fish that feel more secure in groups and will often be seen swimming and foraging together. Their active and lively behavior, especially when kept in groups, makes them an interesting addition to aquariums. While they are peaceful, they may display territorial behavior if kept in too small a group or with incompatible tankmates.
Special Care:
Pygmy Corydoras require a soft, fine substrate such as sand to avoid injury to their sensitive barbels. Providing hiding spots, such as plants, rocks, and driftwood, will help them feel more secure. These fish thrive in clean water with good filtration, so regular water changes are important to maintain water quality. Since they are sensitive to water conditions, maintaining stable temperature and pH levels is crucial for their health.
Compatibility with Other Fish:
Yes, Pygmy Corydoras are compatible with most peaceful fish, especially small species like tetras, rasboras, and other bottom-dwellers. They should be kept with non-aggressive species, as larger or more territorial fish may harass them. They are also compatible with shrimp and other peaceful invertebrates. Due to their small size, it’s important to avoid housing them with predatory or aggressive fish that may see them as food.
Breeding Tank Setup
While Pygmy Corydoras can breed in a community setup, using a separate breeding tank is strongly recommended. It offers better control over water parameters and protects eggs from being eaten. A 5-gallon tank (19 liters) is suitable for a small group, while a 10-gallon tank (38 liters) is ideal for larger groups or multiple pairs. Maintain water at pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 22–28°C (72–82°F), and hardness 2–10 dGH. Use a gentle sponge filter, fine sand or gravel substrate, and provide live plants like Java moss or Hornwort. Moderate lighting on a 12-hour light/dark cycle helps mimic natural conditions.
Conditioning for Breeding
To prepare Pygmy Corydoras for breeding, offer a high-quality and varied diet. Feed them sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, as well as blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini. A protein-rich diet supports egg development and overall health. Maintain weekly 20–30% water changes, and to induce spawning, perform a larger 50% change while raising the temperature slightly to 28°C, simulating the onset of the rainy season.
Spawning Behavior
Spawning typically happens in the early morning or shortly after favorable water conditions are restored. Males pursue females, who then lay eggs on plants, glass, or decorations, which are fertilized by the males. A healthy female can lay 20–50 small, adhesive eggs during a session. It is important to remove the parents after spawning, as Corydoras are known to consume their own eggs if left in the tank.
Fry Development
Pygmy Corydoras eggs hatch in 3–5 days, depending on temperature. The newly hatched fry will absorb nutrients from their yolk sacs for the first couple of days. Start feeding them infusoria or liquid fry food, followed by baby brine shrimp, microworms, or finely crushed flakes as they grow. The fry also benefit from grazing on biofilm and microorganisms found on plants and surfaces. Maintain water quality with daily or alternate-day 10–20% water changes, and avoid overfeeding to prevent waste buildup.
Additional Breeding Tips
Pygmy Corydoras reach sexual maturity at around 6–8 months. Males are generally smaller and slimmer with more intense coloration, while females are rounder and larger, particularly when gravid. To maximize breeding success, avoid stress factors such as temperature swings, poor water quality, and aggressive tank mates. Consistent maintenance and a peaceful environment are key to raising healthy fry and sustaining long-term breeding success.