Pygmy corydora

The Pygmy Corydora (Corydoras pygmaeus) is a tiny, peaceful South American catfish and an excellent choice for planted and nano community aquariums. Unlike many larger Corydoras that spend most of their time on the substrate, Pygmy Corydoras frequently swim in the middle levels of the aquarium, particularly when kept in a good-sized group.

They have a slender silver-grey body with a distinctive dark horizontal stripe running from the snout towards the tail. Their small size and gentle, active behaviour make them particularly appealing in aquascaped tanks. They are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 6, although groups of 10 or more will generally display more confident and natural shoaling behaviour.

A mature aquarium with gentle filtration, plenty of plants and areas of open swimming space is ideal. A fine sand substrate is strongly recommended, allowing them to forage naturally without damaging their delicate barbels. As with other Corydoras, they occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air, which is completely normal behaviour.

Maximum adult size: Approximately 3 cm

Temperament: Very peaceful and social; best kept in groups of 6 or more

Difficulty of care: Easy to moderate

Preferred Temperature: 22–26 °C

Preferred pH of water: 6.0–7.5

Type of breeding: Egg layer; females deposit adhesive eggs on plants, glass and other aquarium surfaces

Pygmy Corydoras are omnivorous and should be offered a varied diet of appropriately sized sinking foods. Quality micro-pellets and small sinking wafers can form the staple diet, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, cyclops and finely sized bloodworm. They should not be expected to survive solely on leftover food from other fish.

Suitable tank mates include other small, peaceful species such as small tetras, rasboras and dwarf shrimp. Avoid large, aggressive or highly boisterous fish that may intimidate or prey upon these diminutive catfish.