If you’re thinking of starting a tranquil communal aquarium, the Pygmy Cory might be the fish for you. This gentle tiny Catfish is ideal for beginners who may find aggressive species intimidating.
They are one of the smallest fish available and are suitable for tiny aquariums. Many individuals think this species is adorable, which has made them quite desirable.
Most aquarists are aware of the Corydoras genus, but the Pygmy Cory Catfish is a distinct species with some unusual characteristics that will keep you staring at your tank.
The Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus), sometimes known as the Pygmy Catfish, is a small freshwater fish belonging to the Corydoradinae subfamily.
The name ‘Cory’ is an abbreviation for the genus Corydoras. They are primarily found in the Madeira River basin of Brazil, but populations can be found across South America.
Originally, just one species of small Corydoras was considered to exist (Corydoras hastatus). The Pygmy Cory species was described in the early 1900s after it was discovered that several species had been misinterpreted.
II. You would love the fish because…
The Pygmy Cory is a species of Corydoras. For a time, these fish were mistakenly grouped with other minor species of the Genus. Even today, it is not uncommon to come across Pygmy Corydoras with the incorrect label in fish stores!
These fish have a few distinguishing qualities that will assist you in identifying them. They, like the others in the genus, have a teardrop-shaped body with a big head. They obtain food at the bottom of their habitat because of an underturned mouth with barbels.
Pygmy Cory Catfish have a distinct black stripe through the middle of their body. It extends from the snout back to split on their caudal fin.
These fish have a metallic silvery gloss on top of the stripe. There may also be some black vertical stripes visible. The fish have white bellies beneath the stripe.
Pygmy Corys are popular among aquarists looking for little fish that are entertaining to observe. They have eccentric personalities and thrive in smaller community tanks.
While Pygmy Cory care isn’t difficult, these fish do have some special needs that you should be aware of. They have a relatively restricted comfort zone and require a reasonable amount of attention to grow.
III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?
Corys have a calm, peaceful, and non-aggressive temperament.
IV. Species compatibility
Community fish such as livebearers, danios, and tetras make good tank mates.
V. How to feed this species?
Frozen foods (bloodworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp), catfish pellets, flake foods, and the occasional algal pellet can be fed to pygmy cories. However, make sure the food is small enough to fit into their tiny mouth otherwise they will not be able to eat it!
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| Weight | 1 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15 × 20 × 30 cm |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Scientific Name | Corydoras pygmaeus |
| Tank size | 10 gallons |
| Special Diet | Frozen foods (bloodworms, mosquito larvae, brine shrimp), catfish pellets, flake foods, and the occasional algae pellet |
| Native To | Tropical inland waters in South America, and is found in the Madeira River basin in Brazil. |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Max water Temp | 82 °F |
| Min Water Temp | 72 °F |
| pH Max | 8.0 |
| pH Min | 5.0 |
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