Dwarf Pygmy Corydoras

Dwarf / Pygmy Corydoras Catfish

The Pygmy Corydoras catfish is a very peaceful bottom-feeding schooling fish that is compatible with most popular peaceful community aquarium fish species. Unlike most corydoras species, dwarf pygmy cory's stay small and will reach a maximum size of around only 3cm. Be careful not to house with any fish that can fit them in their mouth, they might regard them as food. A soft, sandy substrate is essential for this species.

Dwarf Corydoras thrive in well-oxygenated planted aquariums with plenty of shady areas amongst driftwood and rocks. The presence of mid-swimming fish will help to encourage the pygmy Cory out more often. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a gap should be left between the water surface and the fish tank hood/lid to allow the Cory to come up to the surface and take air in. It is perfectly normal for Pygmy Corydoras to do this many times a day.

Are Dwarf Pygmy Corys a shoaling fish?
Corydoras are small catfish which is quite happy on its own but even happier in a group of corydoras, and will shoal in numbers. Dwarf Corys will typically exhibit shoaling or schooling behaviour in groups of six or more, swimming together fluidly upward and down the aquarium.

Will Dwarf Corys clean my tank?
As a small bottom feeder, the pygmy dwarf corydoras catfish is an extremely efficient cleaner. It will scavenge the leftovers that have sunk to the bottom, cleaning up after messier fish that feed at the surface and midlevel of the tank. However, dwarf pygmy Corys do not clear algae from aquarium glass and should not be confused with algae-eating species like plecos (suckerfish!)

Features
Approx. supplied size: 0.5-1" / 2-3cm (small)
Maximum size: 1" / 3cm
Origin: South America
Temperament: Peaceful
Lighting requirement: Low
Ideal number kept together: 6+

Water conditions
Our conditions: pH 7.5, temp 25°C
Ideal pH: 7.0–8.0
Water flow: low to moderate
Ideal temperature: 22-25°C

Ease of care
Moderate. Dwarg pygmy corydoras are a peaceful catfish, but do require absolute optimal water conditions to thrive.

Compatibility
Pygmy Corydoras are compatible with virtually all non-predatory and community fish.

Diet
Feed sinking catfish pellets and algae wafer. Will also happily eat bloodworm and brine shrimp (frozen is fine)

Breeding
Egg layers. Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above. Bred in captivity, breeding is possible at lower temperatures, but eggs can be prone to fungus. Eggs typically hatch within 5 days.

Life Span
Dwraf / Pygmy Corydoras Cory Catfish can live 2-3 years in perfect conditions.

Please note, photo is for illustrative purposes only and reflects an example of the species you will receive. We cannot handpick the sex of the species on offer.

For more information on general fishkeeping and our shipping procedures click here.