Pygmy Corydoras, also known as Pygmy Catfish or Dwarf Corydoras, are tiny but mighty creatures that are adored by aquarium hobbyists everywhere. These miniature fish are not just cute and tiny, but also incredibly interesting and entertaining to watch. With their playful and active personalities, they will add a touch of excitement to any aquarium.
Imagine a tank filled with tiny armored warriors, each no bigger than a penny, darting and weaving through the underwater landscape like tiny acrobats. This is the world of Pygmy Corydoras, and it’s a world that’s waiting for you to discover.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras pygmaeus |
| Average Length | 1 inch (2.54 cm) |
| Lifespan | 3-5 years in captivity with proper care |
| pH Range | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Water Hardness | 2 – 25 dGH |
| Temperature Range | 72-79°F (22-26°C) |
| Diet | Worms, benthic crustaceans, insects, and plant matter |
| Breeding | Lays approximately 100 eggs at a time |
| Tank Size | 10 gallons or larger |
| Substrate | Fine-grained, such as sand |
| Group Size | 4 or more, larger groups (10 or more) for more natural behavior |
| Compatibility | Peaceful, best kept with other peaceful species or in a planted tank |
Appearance
The Pygmy Corydoras is a silver-colored fish, with a distinctive black line that runs horizontally along the center of its sides from the tip of its snout to its caudal peduncle. There is also a thin black line along the lower part of the side of its body, starting from behind the ventral fins and continuing into the tail. The top part of its body is shaded with light black or dark gray from the top of its snout to its tail.
Newly hatched fry have vertical stripes along their bodies, which fade by the end of their first month and are replaced by the horizontal stripes of the adult fish.
The Pygmy Corydoras has a small, round body that is covered in bony plates, making it look like a miniature tank. The fish has two barbels on its chin that it uses to locate food and navigate its environment.
Lifespan
Pygmy Corydoras have a lifespan of 3-5 years in captivity with proper care.
Average Size and Growth Rate
Pygmy Corydoras grow to be about 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length and their growth rate is slow.
Tank Size
A tank of at least 10 gallons (37.85 liters) is recommended for keeping Pygmy Corydoras.
Water Parameters
Pygmy Corydoras prefer water that is neutral to slightly acidic with a temperature range of 72-79°F (22-26°C) and a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
Diet
Pygmy Corydoras are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods.
| Food Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Frozen Bloodworms | A rich protein source that mimics the diet of Pygmy Corydoras in the wild, providing essential nutrients for growth and health. |
| Sinking Wafers | A slow-release food that provides a balanced diet for Pygmy Corydoras, including protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. |
| Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp | An easy-to-store and convenient food source, high in protein and essential amino acids that promote healthy growth and muscle development. |
| Microworms | Tiny, live worms that provide Pygmy Corydoras with a high protein diet and are easy to culture, making them an excellent staple food source. |
| Crushed Flake Food | A convenient food source that can be quickly and easily crushed into smaller pieces, perfect for smaller fish like Pygmy Corydoras. |
| Tubifex Worms | A high-protein food source that promotes healthy growth and helps maintain the vitality of Pygmy Corydoras. |
| Daphnia | A live food source that is high in protein and essential fatty acids, perfect for promoting healthy growth and overall health in Pygmy Corydoras. |
| Freeze-Dried Krill | A high-protein food source that provides Pygmy Corydoras with essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium for strong bones. |
Housing Requirements and What to Put in Their Tank
Pygmy Corydoras need a soft, sandy substrate to allow them to explore without injury and plenty of hiding places in the form of plants, rocks, and driftwood. The tank should also have a good filtration system to keep the water clean and healthy.
Behavior and Temperament
Pygmy Corydoras are active and social fish that love to swim in schools. They are peaceful and do well with other peaceful fish.
For the best experience, keep the Pygmy Corydoras in groups of at least 4, and they will behave much more naturally in groups of 10 or more. They often swim in shoals around the mid-water and lower regions of the tank. These fishies are hardy and make great pets, but it’s important to keep in mind that they do not thrive with aggressive tankmates. They are best kept in a planted species tank or with shrimp such as Neocaridina
Breeding
Step-by-Step Guide to Breeding Pygmy Corydoras
- Prepare the Tank: Pygmy corydoras need a tank with a tropical climate and water with a pH of 6.0-8.0, a hardness of 2-25 dGH, and a temperature range of 22-26°C (72-79°F).
- Get a breeding group: Keep a group of at least 4 pygmy corydoras, including both males and females.
- Observe the breeding behavior: One male will compete with other males to breed with a female when she is ready. If you see two fish in a “T” position, they are breeding. The male will release his milt and the female will release an egg into her ventral fins.
- Egg Deposition: The female will clean a spot in the tank to deposit the eggs, with the male following along and keeping other males away. They may repeat this process a few more times.
- Remove the Adults: There is conflicting information on whether the adults will eat the eggs and fry, so it is up to the individual to decide what to do. It is recommended to remove the adults or place them in a different tank to play it safe.
- Hatch the Eggs: You can remove the eggs and place them in a small container with an air stone to keep oxygen flowing and prevent fungus. Methylene Blue or other antifungal products can be used to treat the eggs.
- Raise the Fry: The fry will hatch in about 3 days and will look for plants to hide in. Java moss is a good option. Feed the fry infusoria or crushed flakes until they are large enough to eat other fish foods. Later, you can add egg yolk paste, crushed tubifex worms, or flake food to their diet.
- Enjoy: Observing pygmy corydoras, whether breeding or not, is an easy and fascinating experience. Keep your tank well-maintained and provide a suitable environment for your fish to thrive.
Tankmates
Pygmy Corydoras are best kept with other small, peaceful fish such as tetras, shrimp, and snails.
| Compatible Tankmates for Pygmy Corydoras | Description |
|---|---|
| Ember Tetra | Peaceful, small fish |
| Neon Tetra | Brightly colored, active swimmer |
| Bamboo Shrimp | Clean up aquarium debris |
| Cherry Shrimp | Help control algae |
| Otocinclus Catfish | Algae-eating fish |
| Guppy | Active, brightly colored |
| Ram Cichlid | Peaceful, slow-moving |
| Kuhli Loach | Bottom-dwelling, burrowing fish |
| Glowlight Danio | Active, schooling fish |
| Harlequin Rasbora | Peaceful, active swimmer |
| Amano Shrimp | Clean up aquarium debris |
| Ghost Shrimp | Bottom-dwelling, scavenger |
| Rasbora Heteromorpha | Peaceful, active swimmer |
| Nerite Snail | Clean up algae and debris |
| Mystery Snail | Eats algae, helps maintain clean tank |
Diseases and Illnesses
| Illness | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Columnaris | White or gray cottony growth on skin and fins, loss of appetite | Increase water temperature to 82-86°F (28-30°C) and add aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) to the water. Use a columnaris treatment, such as Maracyn, as directed. |
| Ich (Ichthyophthiriasis) | White spots on skin and fins, scratching, lethargy | Raise the water temperature to 82-86°F (28-30°C) and add aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) to the water. Use a treatment specifically for ich, such as Ich-X, as directed. |
| Swim Bladder Disorder | Uneven swimming, floating upside down, sinking to the bottom | Reduce feeding to once a day and only give food that sinks to the bottom, as floating food can cause problems with the swim bladder. If the problem persists, consider a water change and increasing water temperature to 82-86°F (28-30°C). |
| Fin Rot | Frayed or decaying fins, redness or darkness at the fin edges | Increase water temperature to 82-86°F (28-30°C) and add aquarium salt (1 tablespoon per 5 gallons) to the water. Use an antibiotic, such as API Fin and Body Cyre, as directed. Maintain good water quality and clean the aquarium regularly. |
History and Origin
The Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) is a small and unique species of freshwater fish native to South America. These fish belong to the subfamily Corydoradinae of the family Callichthyidae and are known for their small size, distinctive coloration, and peaceful behavior.
Pygmy Corydoras are found in tropical freshwater environments in South America, particularly in the Madeira River basin in Brazil. They are also found in tributaries of the Nanay River in Peru and the Aguarico River in Ecuador.
The first scientific description of the Pygmy Corydoras was published in 1966 by German biologist and physician Joachim Knaack in the journal Aquarien und Terrarien-Zeitschrift. One specimen was designated as the holotype and one additional specimen was collected as a paratype. The species was placed in the genus Corydoras and given the scientific name of Corydoras pygmaeus, which means “dwarf” or “pygmy” in Latin. The common names for the species are “pygmy catfish” and “pygmy corydoras”.
A species of Corydoras with a similar appearance, Corydoras hastatus, was described in the 1880s. However, many specimens that were described as Corydoras hastatus between the 1920s and 1950s were subsequently found to be misidentified specimens of the Pygmy Corydoras. In older literature, the Pygmy Corydoras is frequently mislabeled due to Corydoras hastatus being the only miniature Corydoras species known at the time.
Pygmy Corydoras are the perfect addition to any community aquarium. Their small size and peaceful personalities make them great for beginners, while their active and playful behavior will delight even the most experienced aquarium hobbyist. With proper care, these little fish will bring joy to your tank for years to come.
Imagine a tank full of tiny armored warriors, each with its own personality and story to tell. This is the world of Pygmy Corydoras, and it’s waiting for you to discover it. So why not start your journey today and bring these amazing little fish into your life?
Taxonomy
| Taxonomic Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Subkingdom | Bilateria |
| Infrakingdom | Deuterostomia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Subphylum | Vertebrata |
| Infraphylum | Gnathostomata |
| Superclass | Actinopterygii |
| Class | Teleostei |
| Superorder | Ostariophysi |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Subfamily | Corydoradinae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Species | Corydoras pygmaeus |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many Pygmy Corydoras can be kept in a 10 gallon tank?
A: It is recommended to keep at least 4-6 Pygmy Corydoras in a 10 gallon tank.
Q: How big do Pygmy Corydoras get?
A: The maximum length of a Pygmy Corydoras is about 1.3 inches (3.2 cm), but typical adult sizes are 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) for males and 1 inch (2.5 cm) for females.
Q: What do Pygmy Corydoras eat?
A: Pygmy Corydoras feed on worms, benthic crustaceans, insects, and plant matter.
Q: What should you feed Pygmy Corydoras?
A: Pygmy Corydoras can be fed most sinking foods, including frozen food and sinking wafers. They also enjoy live foods such as microworms or newly hatched brine shrimp.
Q: Are Pygmy Corydoras hardy?
A: Yes, Pygmy Corydoras are relatively hardy fish and make good pets.
Q: Do Pygmy Corydoras eat algae?
A: It is not their main diet, but Pygmy Corydoras may consume some algae as part of their omnivorous diet.
Q: How long do Pygmy Corydoras live?
A: The lifespan of Pygmy Corydoras is typically 3-5 years in a well-maintained aquarium.
Q: How many Pygmy Corydoras should be kept together?
A: It is recommended to keep at least 4-6 Pygmy Corydoras together in an aquarium for optimal behavior.
Q: How to breed Pygmy Corydoras?
A: Breeding Pygmy Corydoras can be done by keeping them in a well-maintained aquarium with the right water conditions and feeding them a varied diet. One male will compete with other males for a female when she is ready to breed. The male will fertilize the eggs that the female holds in a pouch formed by her pelvic fins. The female will then deposit the eggs in a safe location.
Q: Where to buy Pygmy Corydoras?
A: Pygmy Corydoras can be purchased from pet stores or online retailers that specialize in aquarium fish.
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