Pygmy Corydoras

The Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) is an endearing miniature armored catfish reaching only 2–2.5 cm, marked by a sleek silver body and dark lateral stripe. Unlike larger bottom-bound corydoras, Pygmy Corys actively shoal in the mid-water column and perch together like tiny birds on broad Anubias and Cryptocoryne leaves without uprooting delicate carpet plants.

Must be kept in a shoal of at least 6–8 (ideally 10–15) individuals in tanks of 30+ liters; smaller groups become shy and hide constantly. Provide smooth fine quartz sand (0.4–1.2 mm) or rounded aquasoil so their delicate sensory barbels never erode on sharp gravel. Leave open surface access so they can dart up for a gulp of atmospheric air via intestinal breathing.

Omnivorous micro-predator and scavenger: feed sinking micro-pellets (0.4–0.8 mm), crushed bottom-feeder wafers, newly hatched baby brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii), microworms, and frozen cyclops or daphnia.

Spawning is triggered by a 30% cool water change (2–3 °C drop) paired with heavy baby brine shrimp conditioning. Females scatter 30–50 single adhesive eggs underneath plant leaves and glass; fry hatch in 3–4 days and take microworms and Artemia nauplii.