Pygmy Cory – Corydoras pygmaeus

Scientific Name: Corydoras pygmaeus
Common Names: Pygmy Cory, Pygmy Corydoras

The Pygmy Cory is a tiny, peaceful freshwater catfish and one of the best Corydoras species for nano and planted community aquariums. Unlike many larger Corys that spend most of their time along the substrate, Pygmy Corys frequently explore the lower and middle areas of the aquarium, especially when kept in a comfortable group.

Their small size, silver-gray body, dark horizontal stripe, and active schooling behavior make them an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a true miniature catfish.

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult Size: Approximately 1 inch
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons recommended
Temperature: Approximately 72–79°F
pH: Approximately 6.5–7.5
Diet: Omnivore
Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

Recommended Setup: Pygmy Corys thrive in a mature, well-filtered aquarium with gentle water movement. Fine sand or another smooth substrate is recommended, along with live plants, driftwood, shaded areas, and open swimming space.

These are highly social fish and should be maintained in groups. Keeping at least 6 Pygmy Corys allows them to display more confident and natural schooling and social behavior.

Feed a varied diet consisting of appropriately sized sinking foods, micro pellets, and frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and finely sized bloodworms. Their tiny mouths mean foods should be appropriately sized.

Pygmy Corys should not be treated simply as aquarium cleanup fish. While they may consume food that reaches the bottom, they require regular feeding and a complete diet of their own.

Tankmates: Excellent companions for peaceful nano and community species such as small tetras, rasboras, peaceful shrimp, and other similarly sized non-aggressive fish. Avoid large or aggressive tankmates that could intimidate or prey upon them.

Please Note: Size, coloration, markings, and sex naturally vary between individual fish. The fish you receive may differ slightly from the individual pictured.

Available Quantities: Individual fish and discounted group options are available. For their long-term social well-being, we recommend keeping Pygmy Corys in a group of at least 6.

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