Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus; also classified as Gastrodermus pygmaeus)

Appearance & Behavior

Bring delicate movement and charming group behavior to your freshwater aquarium with Pygmy Corydoras. Their tiny, silvery bodies feature a dark horizontal stripe running toward the tail. Unlike many larger Corydoras, these miniature catfish frequently swim together in midwater before resting on leaves, wood, or the substrate. These peaceful, social fish become more confident in a generous group of their own species. Occasional trips to the surface for air are normal, but frequent surface visits or labored breathing warrant a water-quality and oxygenation check.

Quick Care Guide

• Care Level: Moderate; requires small foods and peaceful companions

• Temperament: Very peaceful and sometimes shy

• Adult Size: Approximately 0.75–1.25 inches

• Minimum Aquarium Size: 10 gallons for a small group; larger aquariums recommended for bigger groups and community stocking

• Temperature: 72–79°F

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, approximately 2–15 dGH

• Diet: Omnivore; requires tiny, dedicated foods

• Swimming Area: Bottom and middle, with occasional trips to the surface

• Recommended Quantity: At least 8; preferably 10 or more of the same species when aquarium space and stocking allow

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Provide fine sand or smooth, rounded substrate, open foraging areas, and shaded retreats among plants and driftwood. Broad leaves and other smooth surfaces offer resting places above the bottom. Pygmy Corydoras do best in a mature, fully cycled aquarium with stable water conditions, clean substrate, good oxygenation, and gentle circulation. Protect filter intakes, keep access to the surface unobstructed, and use a secure lid. They do not replace substrate cleaning or water changes.

Good companions include tiny, gentle rasboras and small peaceful tetras with compatible care requirements. Plant-safe snails and dwarf shrimp can also be suitable, though no fish should be considered completely safe with newly hatched shrimplets. Avoid aggressive, boisterous, or large fish that could swallow them, and competitive feeders that prevent them from eating. Keep a group of Pygmy Corydoras rather than relying on other Corydoras species to meet their social needs.

Feeding

Offer finely crushed sinking catfish food or a suitable micro-pellet as a staple, supplemented with finely crushed Hatchery Diet 1.2 mm, suitably small Daphnia, and finely chopped Bloodworms. Their mouths are especially small, so do not offer whole 1.2 mm pellets or large bloodworms. Feed small portions where the group forages and confirm that each fish gets food. Pygmy Corydoras are not algae eaters and should never be expected to survive on scraps or fish waste.