Pygmy Cory

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras pygmaeus
• Common Names: Pygmy Cory, Pygmy Catfish
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: Native to slow-moving rivers and streams in South America, particularly in the Madeira and Nanay river basins of Brazil and Peru.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Reaching a maximum size of 1 inch (2.5 cm), Pygmy Corydoras are one of the smallest species of catfish.
• Coloration: Their body is silver or pale grey with a distinct horizontal black stripe running from the snout to the tail, bordered by a lighter area above and below the stripe. They also have transparent fins with slight dark pigmentation on the tips.
• Body Shape: Like other Corydoras, they have a robust body with barbels near their mouth, which they use to forage for food.

Behavior

• Temperament: Pygmy Corydoras are very peaceful and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to 10 to display their natural behavior and feel secure. When kept alone, they can become stressed and shy.
• Activity: They are more active swimmers than many other Corydoras species and often swim in the midwater area of the tank, rather than strictly staying at the bottom. This makes them unique compared to other bottom-dwelling catfish.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Although small, Pygmy Corydoras need space to swim in groups. A 10-gallon tank or larger is recommended for a school of these fish.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2 to 15 dGH)
• Substrate: A soft substrate like fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal to protect their delicate barbels.
• Tank Setup:
  • Provide plenty of live plants, driftwood, and rocks for shelter.
  • Floating plants help diffuse the light, mimicking their natural environment, which is typically shaded.
  • They thrive in gentle water flow and benefit from a well-filtered, clean tank with stable water conditions.

Diet

• Omnivorous: Pygmy Corydoras are small but not fussy eaters. They will readily accept:
  • Sinking pellets or micro granules designed for small fish.
  • Live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms.
  • Vegetable-based foods like algae wafers can also be part of their diet.
• Feed them small amounts of food that can reach the bottom or remain in the water column where they swim.

Breeding

• Spawning Behavior: Pygmy Corydoras are relatively easy to breed in aquariums.
  • Spawning Conditions: A slight temperature drop after a water change can induce spawning. Females will scatter eggs on surfaces like plant leaves, glass, or substrate.
  • Egg Development: The eggs hatch in about 3 to 4 days. Once hatched, the fry should be fed with infusoria or other small fry foods.
  • Growth Rate: Pygmy Cory fry are small and delicate but will grow quickly with proper care.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Pygmy Corydoras are compatible with a variety of peaceful tank mates, including:
  • Small species like Ember Tetras, Rasboras, and other nano fish.
  • Other Corydoras species or peaceful bottom dwellers.
  • Avoid large or aggressive species that may intimidate or eat the Pygmy Corys.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Pygmy Corydoras can live for 3 to 5 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

1. Mid-level Swimmers: Unlike most Corydoras species, Pygmy Corys spend a good amount of time swimming in the midwater region of the tank, rather than sticking to the bottom.
2. Tiny but Social: They are incredibly social fish and enjoy schooling behavior, similar to tetras or other small fish, making them fascinating to watch in groups.
3. Gulping Air: Like many Corydoras, they have the ability to gulp air from the surface, using a specialized part of their intestine to extract oxygen.

Health Considerations

• Barbel Health: Ensure the substrate is soft and clean to avoid infections or damage to their barbels.
• Water Quality: Pygmy Corydoras are sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes and maintaining good water quality is essential to prevent stress and disease.
• Common Diseases: Pygmy Corys can be prone to typical freshwater fish diseases such as Ich, fin rot, and bacterial infections if tank conditions are not maintained.