Description
Description
Pygmy Cory Catfish (Corydoras pygmaeus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Corydoras pygmaeus
Common Names: Pygmy Cory, Dwarf Cory, Micro Cory Catfish
Family: Callichthyidae (Cory Catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes
Origin: South America — small streams and rivers in Brazil
Size: Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Bottom dweller; peaceful and social
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 50 – 150 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)
Hardness: 1 – 10 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Tiny, elongated catfish with silver-gray body and a faint black lateral line from head to tail; delicate barbels for scavenging.
Behavior: Very peaceful; shoaling species that thrives in groups.
Swimming Style: Constantly moves near the bottom; may swim mid-level in planted areas.
Unique Feature: One of the smallest Corydoras species; exhibits active and natural shoaling behavior only in groups.
Nature: Gentle, hardy, and excellent for nano or community tanks.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous bottom feeder
Diet: Micro sinking pellets, small wafers, frozen foods (daphnia, baby brine shrimp), finely chopped vegetables
Feeding: 1–2 times daily; small amounts to avoid overfeeding
Tip: Ensure food reaches the bottom; feed in groups to reduce competition
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons (38 L) for a small group
Filtration: Gentle filtration; well-oxygenated water
Decor: Fine sand substrate to protect delicate barbels, live plants, and small hiding spots
Lighting: Low to moderate
Water Change: 20–25% weekly for stable water conditions
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 6 or more (shoaling species)
Tank Mates: Small, peaceful fish — neon tetras, ember tetras, rasboras, small rasboras
Avoid: Aggressive or large fish
✅ Do’s
Keep in groups for natural shoaling behavior
Provide soft substrate to protect barbels
Maintain stable water parameters
Offer a varied diet of small foods
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep alone — will become stressed
Don’t house with large or aggressive fish
Don’t use sharp gravel
⭐ Quick Tips
The Pygmy Cory Catfish is a tiny, peaceful, and social bottom-dweller, ideal for nano tanks and community setups.
Thrives in soft, planted aquariums with groups of 6 or more, displaying active shoaling and natural behavior.
Perfect for aquarists seeking small, hardy, and charming freshwater fish.
