Pygmy Corydoras captive bred (Corydoras pygmaeus)

The Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) is one of the most popular and smallest representatives of the armoured catfishes. As German captive bred stock, this charming mini catfish is perfectly accustomed to conditions in the home aquarium and enriches any well-structured underwater biotope with its lively nature.

Origin and habitat

Corydoras pygmaeus originally comes from tropical South America, particularly from the Amazon basin. There it mainly inhabits slow-flowing or standing waters that are rich in plants, bank vegetation and driftwood.

The animals offered come from German captive breeding. This guarantees excellent acclimatisation and high resilience in everyday aquarium life.

Appearance and size

With a final size of usually only about two to three centimetres, this fish is among the smallest of all armoured catfishes. Its slender body has a silvery-grey base colouration, traversed by a striking dark longitudinal stripe running from the snout to the caudal fin.

A special feature is the delicate barbels at the mouth, which the animals use for orientation and searching for food. Males generally remain slightly smaller and slenderness than the plumper females.

Aquarium care

For successful care, an aquarium with a length of 60 cm or more is recommended. The water temperature should be between 22 and 28 °C, while the pH value can cover a range from 6.0 to 8.0.

Important for keeping them is a fine sand substrate or very fine, rounded gravel so that the sensitive barbels are not injured while foraging. Dense planting together with hiding places made of roots or stones creates a natural environment in which the pygmies feel secure.

Behaviour and tankmates

The Pygmy Corydoras is an extremely peaceful group fish that must be kept in a shoal of several animals. Only in a group do these small catfishes lose their shyness and display their fascinating social behaviour.

An interesting characteristic of Corydoras pygmaeus is its swimming behaviour. While most armoured catfishes live almost exclusively on the bottom, this Pygmy Corydoras very much enjoys swimming freely through the middle water layers.

Socialisation is easily achieved with other small, peaceful aquarium inhabitants such as micro rasboras, small tetras, peaceful shrimp or snails.

Feeding

Regarding nutrition, the Pygmy Corydoras proves to be an absolutely uncomplicated occupant. Due to its small mouth, care should be taken to ensure that the food is of an appropriate size.

It readily accepts fine granules, high-quality flake food and special catfish tablets. For a varied diet, the menu can be regularly supplemented with fine frozen food such as Artemia nauplii or Cyclops.