Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1 inches
Temperature
72-79°F (22-26°C)
pH Range
6.0-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
10+ fish
About Pygmy Corydoras
The pygmy corydoras is a diminutive catfish from the Madeira River basin in Brazil, reaching just about one inch at full maturity. Despite their tiny size, pygmy corys are full of personality, often swimming in tight, synchronized schools in the mid-water column rather than strictly hugging the bottom like larger corydoras species. Their silvery bodies feature a thin, dark horizontal stripe from nose to tail. Pygmy corydoras are one of three miniature cory species, alongside the habrosus and hastatus, and are among the smallest catfish in the world. They are ideal for nano tanks and make excellent companions for shrimp colonies, as they are far too small to threaten even the tiniest shrimplets.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
- • pH: 6.0 - 7.5
- • Category: Catfish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Keep pygmy corydoras in groups of at least ten due to their small size and strong schooling instinct. They do well in nano tanks of 10 gallons or more with gentle filtration and fine sand substrate. Unlike larger corydoras, pygmy corys frequently swim in the mid-water column and should be provided with resting spots on broad leaves and driftwood throughout the tank. They are sensitive to water quality and need mature, stable tanks with low nitrates. Feed crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen baby brine shrimp. They are excellent companions for cherry shrimp and other dwarf shrimp species. Avoid housing with any fish large enough to eat them.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
3cm
Adult Size (1")
3yr
Lifespan
10+
Min School
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Find compatible tankmates for your Pygmy Corydoras
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Tank Mates for Pygmy Corydoras
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Cardinal Tetra
Paracheirodon axelrodi
moderate · 15+ gal
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Phoenix Rasbora
Boraras merah
moderate · 5+ gal
Bamboo Shrimp
Atyopsis moluccensis
moderate · 20+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Pygmy Corydoras need?
A Pygmy Corydoras needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 10.
What water parameters does a Pygmy Corydoras need?
Pygmy Corydoras thrive in water between 72-79°F (22-26°C) with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
Are Pygmy Corydoras easy to care for?
Pygmy Corydoras are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 3 years.
How big do Pygmy Corydoras get and what do they eat?
Pygmy Corydoras reach about 1 inch and are omnivores. Keep pygmy corydoras in groups of at least ten due to their small size and strong schooling instinct. They do well in nano tanks of 10 gallons or more with gentle filtration and fine sand substrate. Unlike larger corydoras, pygmy corys frequently swim in the mid-water column and should be provided with resting spots on broad leaves and driftwood throughout the tank. They are sensitive to water quality and need mature, stable tanks with low nitrates. Feed crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen baby brine shrimp. They are excellent companions for cherry shrimp and other dwarf shrimp species. Avoid housing with any fish large enough to eat them.