Pygmy Cory (Pygmy Corydoras)

Pygmy Cory or pygmy corydoras is a freshwater fish of the Callichthyidae family indigenous to South America’s water bodies. The first scientific description of this species was in 1966 in the magazine Aquarien und Terrarien-Zeitschrift by Joachim Knaack, a German physician, and biologist.  It has often been mistaken for another species of the Corydoras family, Dwarf corydoras ( Corydoras hastatus), since they have a striking similarity. “Pygmaeus,” as used in their scientific name, means dwarf in Latin, absolutely justifying their small size.

Quick Information

Scientific Name	Corydoras pygmaeus
Other Names	Pygmy catfish, pygmy corydoras
Origin	Throughout South America, particularly along the Nanay River in Peru, Aguarico River in Ecuador, and Madeira River in western Brazil
Type	Freshwater fish
Conservation Status	Not recorded
Behavioral Characteristics	Peaceful, cooperative, adjustable
School Size	5 – 6
Physical Traits	Small in size with unbroken lines running throughout its body
Colors	Silver with back horizontal lines running across its body
Size	Males: 1.9 cm (0.79 inch) Females: 2.5 cm (1 inch)
Lifespan	2 – 3 years
Sexual Dimorphism	Present; females are larger and heavier than males
Probable Diseases	Red blotch disease, itch
Approximate Price	$2 – 5

Tank Setup & Care Sheet Details

Care Level	Beginners
Tank Size	10 gallons (38 liters) for 5 to 6 fish

Water Parameters

pH Level	6.0 – 8.0
Temperature	72 – 79 °F (22 -26°C)
Hardness	2 – 25 dGH
Aquarium Water Flow	Slow

Tank Ambience

Lighting	Moderate
Substrate Type	Sand, gravel, small pebbles, dried leaves
Tank Mates	Compatible with: Neon tetra, dwarf gourami, zebra danios, cherry barbs, marbled hatchetfish, cherry barb, mollies, guppies, Chinese algae eater, kuhli loach, Otocinclus species, and other pygmy cories One can also keep them with shrimp species Incompatible with: Big fish species, especially those with large mouths and even the aggressive ones
Suitable Position in the Tank	Middle, and bottom

Feeding

Diet	Frozen or live brine shrimp and bloodworms; pellets, flakes, algae wafers
Frequency	2 – 3 times a day

Important Things to Know For Fish Keepers

• Some keepers have mentioned their pygmy cory swimming upside down and even developing red marks near their fins. Stress due to inappropriate living conditions or bacterial infection are a few of the probable reasons. Under such circumstances, consult a fish vet to get an insight into the problem.
• There are myths about this species eating algae. If you have kept them in your tank to clean off the algae growing on the aquarium walls, you are for sure to get disappointed.

FAQs