Pygmy Cory Catfish | Dwarf Corydoras

Pygmy Corydoras are the perfect nano cory for small tanks. These tiny cory catfish belong to the genus Corydoras, a group of peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish. Most only grow to about ¾ of an inch, which makes them ideal for aquariums as small as 5 gallons. As a nano species, they are perfect for nano tanks and other small aquatic setups. Like all corydoras, they enjoy being in groups of 5 or more, but their small size makes them easier to keep in smaller tanks compared to other species.

In the wild, pygmy corydoras inhabit tropical inland waters of South America, especially in the Madeira River basin and regions of western Brazil. Corydoras are a widely distributed group of catfish found throughout South America. While pygmy corys sometimes get a bad reputation for being hard to keep, that’s usually due to poor import practices. Thanks to our quarantine process, we consider Pygmy Corydoras beginner-friendly and a great choice for new hobbyists.

Pygmy Cory Size

Pygmy corydoras are considered a dwarf species of cory. They grow to about 40% the size of most other corydoras, with adults reaching around ¾ of an inch. Males tend to stay even smaller than females. The body shape of the pygmy cory catfish is distinctive, featuring a flat belly and a streamlined form that runs from the snout to the tail. Their coloration is typically silver-gray with a prominent black line that extends from the snout all the way to the tail, making them easy to distinguish from other corydoras species. The only other cory species that’s similar in size is the Corydoras habrosus, which you can check out here.

Breeding Pygmy Corydoras

We’ve had pygmy corys breed naturally in our aquariums, especially when using Java Moss or spawning mops. Key points for breeding pygmy corydoras include:

• The female lays fertilized eggs; unfertilized eggs should be removed promptly to prevent fungal growth.
• Stable water parameters are essential for successful breeding.
• After hatching, fry should be fed microscopic foods like infusoria to support growth.
• Frequent water changes help maintain high water quality for healthy fry development.
• As fry grow, they begin swimming freely in the water column.
• Some hobbyists use marbles instead of substrate to protect eggs from being eaten. Pygmy corydoras are a great choice for a beginner-friendly breeding project.

Feeding Pygmy Corydoras

At Flip Aquatics, we feed our pygmy cories, which are specialized bottom feeders and bottom dwellers, a variety of foods suited to their feeding behavior. Pygmy cories and other cories spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank, foraging for food on the substrate.

Our food list includes:

• Frozen Foods (small size like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworms as an occasional treat)
• NorthFin Foods (Community Flake and Nano Bits)
• Canned green beans (unsalted, finely crushed to suit the small mouths of pygmy cories)

Pygmy cories and other cories benefit from a varied diet that includes vegetable rich flake or pellets and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, bloodworms, and shrimp to support their health and natural bottom-feeding habits.

Live Arrival Guarantee

All fish orders are covered by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. Shop worry-free knowing your fish will arrive healthy or we'll make it right. We quarantine our fish for two or more weeks before shipping to ensure they are healthy and free from diseases, giving you peace of mind when adding pygmy corydoras to your aquarium.

Our Water Parameters

• pH: 7.2 - 7.5
• GH: 4 - 6
• KH: 2 - 4
• TDS: 100 - 150
• Temperature: 70 - 74°F

Tank Setup Suggestions

• Size: 5 gallons or more (a nano tank or small home aquarium is ideal for pygmies, as long as there is enough swimming space and plenty of places to hide)
• Substrate: Sand or smooth substrate
• Additives: Indian Almond Leaves or Alder Cones

When setting up an aquarium for pygmies, it's important to create a peaceful environment with lots of plants and hiding spots. This helps pygmies and other nano species feel secure and allows them to thrive. A well-planted aquarium not only provides cover for pygmies to hide but also encourages natural swimming behavior and reduces stress.

Compatible tank mates for pygmies include other nano species, peaceful community fish, dwarf shrimp, snails, tetras (such as neon tetras), celestial pearl danios, and other fish of similar size and temperament. These combinations work well in a nano tank or home aquarium, creating a harmonious community setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Pygmy Corydoras can I keep in a 10-gallon tank?

You can comfortably keep 10 pygmy corydoras in a 10-gallon tank. If you're an experienced hobbyist, it's possible to keep up to 20, as long as you maintain healthy water quality with nitrate levels below 40 ppm. Adding live plants can help with nutrient control and overall tank balance.

Do Pygmy Corydoras eat algae?

Pygmy corydoras don't eat enough algae to be considered good algae cleaners. However, they are excellent scavengers. They sift through the substrate for leftover food and debris, which can help reduce waste that might otherwise lead to algae growth.

Are Pygmy Corydoras nocturnal?

Pygmy corydoras are not fully nocturnal, but they will scavenge during both the day and night. They often school during the day, especially when kept with other similar schooling fish like otocinclus. You can often find them resting on sand or perched on plant leaves.

How long do Pygmy Corydoras live?

With proper care, pygmy corydoras can live 3 to 5 years. Keeping stable water parameters is key to their long-term health. We recommend a balanced diet of frozen foods along with veggie-based flakes or small pellets.