Size
Adult males normally have a length of 1.9 centimeters (0.75 in), but adult females typically have a length of 2.5 centimeters (1.0 in). This species can grow up to 3.2 centimeters in length (1.3 in).
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
A little, silvery fish with a single, continuous black line running down the middle of its sides from snout to tail is known as a pygmy corydoras. From behind its ventral fins to its bottom, a second, narrower black stripe runs along its flanks. From the top of its nose to the tip of its tail, the upper half of its body is shaded in light black or dark gray. When they first hatch, fry have vertical stripes along their sides, but by the end of the first month, the horizontal lines of an adult fish have started to appear.
Care and Keeping as Pet
- Water Conditions
Rivers, lakes, and ponds in South America are home to catfish of the genus Cory. Although they can endure a wide range of water conditions, they thrive in water that is somewhat acidic and on the softer side. They do well in both small and large aquariums. They find comfort in temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Tank Size
Small schools of pygmy corydoras can be kept in tanks with volumes as small as 10 US gallons (40 litres). However, a larger tank is needed the bigger the school grows.
- Tank Decoration
Regarding the substrate for the tank bottom, both small pebbles and large-grained sand will work (the sand should be free-running and crumbly). Sharp edges in the substrate can harm the catfish barbels, making it challenging for the fish to find food. The fish will readily rest on smooth stones that you lay on the ground as well.
Snags, flower pots, coconut shells, and other tank decorations will not only enhance the tank’s aesthetic appeal but also serve as shelters for the fish. Additionally assisting in this regard and simultaneously making the tank greener are tank plants. The pygmy corydora prefers low light. To provide the fish room to swim, it is preferable to place plants along the tank’s edge. Plants in aquariums should have horizontal, broad leaves that are ideal for catfish to rest on.
- Interactions between Tank Mates
Since pygmy corydoras typically reside in tiny groups, it is best if there are at least 5–10 fish in a school for them to feel secure and at ease. Corydoras prefer to spend a lot of time in the middle of the water column even though the majority of its cousins are bottom-dwellers.
Although they get along well with other fish of the same size (guppy, platy, swordtail, neon tetra, kuhli loach, cherry barb), as well as freshwater shrimp, because of their small size (red cherry shrimp, bamboo shrimp, Amano shrimp).
- Feeding
Pygmy catfish enthusiastically consume any type of food, including plant food, dry pellets, flakes, live, and frozen food. They’ll happily consume cyclops, tubifex, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Keep in mind that the fish’s mouth is extremely small and that food must be fed to it in tiny pieces.
Pygmy corydoras typically eat from the tank bottom, from plant leaves, or even from the water’s surface. Since this pygmy corydoras is most active at night, one meal won’t be sufficient for it. Although you may also feed them during the day. Since the fish consume their food slowly, it is preferable for the food to pass through the tank bottom quickly.
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