One of the smallest Corydoras species, the Pygmy Cory is a true nano fish. Unlike most of their bottom-dwelling cousins, Pygmy Corys are famous for hovering and schooling in the mid-water area. They are extremely peaceful but very shy, requiring a proper school to feel secure. A soft sand substrate is absolutely required to protect their delicate barbels.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. Must be kept in a group of at least 6 (though 10+ is highly recommended) to exhibit their natural mid-water hovering behavior and avoid severe stress.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesPygmy Corydoras Care Guide Summary
The Pygmy Corydoras, scientifically known as Corydoras pygmaeus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Pygmy Corydoras requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
The Pygmy Corydoras is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Pygmy Corydoras is typically available in one standard form.
Pygmy Corydoras Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Pygmy Corydoras, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Pygmy Corydoras Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Pygmy Corydoras is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Pygmy Corydoras.
10 Gallon Standard
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pygmy Corydoras
How big does Pygmy Corydoras get?
Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Pygmy Corydoras need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 38 litres and a tank length of at least 45 cm are recommended for Pygmy Corydoras. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Pygmy Corydoras need?
Pygmy Corydoras thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Pygmy Corydoras peaceful or aggressive?
Pygmy Corydoras is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 0 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Pygmy Corydoras should be kept together?
Pygmy Corydoras is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Pygmy Corydoras have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Pygmy Corydoras benefits from sand (sifters) and plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Similar Species
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish known for its armor-like scales (scutes) and active bottom-feeding behavior. They are essential clean-up crew members but require a dedicated sinking diet (not just leftovers). Sand substrate is strictly required to prevent erosion and infection of their sensitive barbels. They are 'gut breathers' and will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
Often sold in the aquarium trade as the 'Julii Cory', the False Julii (Corydoras trilineatus) is a peaceful, highly social bottom-dweller. It features a distinct reticulated (maze-like) pattern on its head and a prominent horizontal stripe down its body. As an obligate schooling fish, it must be kept in groups to thrive and feel secure. A soft sand substrate is absolutely critical to prevent the erosion of their sensitive foraging barbels.
Threadfin Rainbowfish
Iriatherina werneri
A delicate and exquisitely shaped nano rainbowfish native to New Guinea and Northern Australia. They are famous for the males' long, filamentous fins and butterfly-like display behavior. Due to their incredibly small throats, they require micro-foods. They are shoaling fish that are easily intimidated by boisterous tank mates.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish easily identified by its black eye patches and spotted dorsal/tail fins, resembling a giant panda. Native to the cooler waters of the Ucayali river system in Peru, they require slightly lower temperatures than many standard tropical community fish. They are strict bottom-dwellers that sift through the substrate for food.
Scarlet Badis
Dario dario
One of the smallest known aquarium fish, resembling a tiny jewel. Males display brilliant vertical red and iridescent blue stripes. While beautiful, they are known for being extremely picky eaters, often refusing dry foods and requiring live or frozen micro-foods (Daphnia, Baby Brine Shrimp). Males act like tiny Cichlids and will stake out territories.