The Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) is a tiny, peaceful catfish known for its silver body, dark horizontal stripe and unusually active mid-water swimming behaviour. Unlike many larger Corydoras that spend most of their time on the bottom, Pygmy Corydoras frequently hover and school through the lower and middle areas of the aquarium.
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Adult size: Approximately 2.5–3 cm
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Temperament: Very peaceful and social
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Social behaviour: Strongly social schooling/shoaling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6, with groups of 8–12 or more strongly preferred
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Tank mates: Excellent with small peaceful fish such as rasboras, small tetras, pencilfish, Otocinclus and peaceful shrimp
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Avoid with: Large, aggressive or highly boisterous fish that may intimidate or eat them
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Recommended temperature: 22–26°C
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Recommended pH: Approximately 6.0–7.5
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Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Minimum tank size: Around 30–40 L for a small group, with larger tanks preferred for bigger schools
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Tank setup: Best kept over fine sand or a smooth substrate with plants, driftwood, shaded areas and open swimming space. Good filtration and clean, oxygen-rich water are important
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Diet: Omnivorous; feed small sinking pellets or wafers alongside frozen or live foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp and small bloodworms
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Care level: Beginner to intermediate
Pygmy Corydoras are highly social and should not be kept alone. They are unusual among Corydoras because they often swim together in open water rather than staying strictly on the bottom, especially when kept in a healthy-sized group.
Live fish are sold subject to availability and may vary slightly in size and colouration. Please review our livestock shipping and DOA guarantee before ordering.
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