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Corydoras Pygmaeus
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Overview:
Corydoras pygmaeus is one of three dwarf cory species available in the
hobby (the others being corydoras hastatus and corydoras habrosus).
Part of their charm derives from their habit of swimming in the mid-level
regions of the aquarium, as opposed to other cory species which tend
to be primarily bottom swimmers. They are peaceful fish and best suited
for a species tank or a community aquarium which includes other similarly
sized species. Pygmy cories are best kept in large schools of 10 or
more individuals.
Quick stats:
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Listed tank sizes are the minimum
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| Size: |
.75 – 1.0 inch (1.9 – 2.5 cm) |
| Tank: |
10 gallons for a school of six; however larger schools are preferred
which would necessitate a larger tank size. |
| Strata: |
Bottom to middle |
| PH: |
6.0 to 8.0 |
| Hardness: |
Prefers soft water (dh range 2 – 25) |
| Temperature: |
70°F to 78°F (21°-26° C) |
Classification:
| Order: |
Siluriformes |
| Family: |
Callichthyidae |
| Genera: |
Corydoradinae |
| Species: |
pygmaeus |
Common name:
Pygmy Cory
Image gallery:
Additional
species photographs
Discuss:
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Distribution
South America: Madeira River basin
General Body Form:
This cory is more torpedo shaped than others in the genus. It has the
barbels and the twin rows of lateral plates that are typical of other
cories. Sexual dimorphism is minimal; however females are larger and
plumper than males.
Coloration:
The body is silver gray in color with a dark band running from the tip
of the nose to the tail. A black spot is located at the base of the
tail. Fins are clear.
Maintenance:
This species prefers soft water and low to neutral pH, although it will
tolerate a range of water conditions. Sandy substrate is best in order
to prevent damage to barbels. Provide plenty of plants and driftwood
throughout the aquarium, with a central open area for swimming. They
should be kept in schools of at least six, although larger schools of
10 – 12 + are preferable. Keep in a species tank or with tankmates of
similar size and temperament. These peaceful fish should not be kept
with aggressive tankmates or with anything large enough to eat them,
including most cichlids.
Diet:
Variety is key to induce breeding. Live or frozen brine shrimp and blackworms
are relished. Also provide algae wafers and sinking shrimp pellets.
High quality flake food may be supplemented.
Biotope:
South American river tributaries with sandy substrate, tree roots, and
leaf matter.
Breeding:
Spawns in pairs or trios, depositing eggs one at a time on plants and
glass around the tank. Courtship behavior consists of the female nudging
the midsection of the male in typical cory “T” form. Females release
one egg at a time which is held between the anal fins where it is fertilized
by the male. The female then finds and cleans a surface in the tank
where she deposits the egg. A female can produce as many as 100 eggs
in a spawning cycle. Fry can be removed from the tank and raised separately
from the parents. Feed liquifry initially, followed by microworms and
then baby brine shrimp.
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