Pygmy Corydoras | Corydoras pygmaeus

Catfish / Callichthyidae / Panda Catfish

Profile: Pygmy Corydoras, Panda Cory
Corydoras pygmaeus
Synonyms: None
Physical description: The body is more elongated than C. hastatus . The body color is dirty white to beige and matches the color of the belly. The back is olive brown and dark brown to black stripe extends from the tip of the snout back to the caudal peduncle. Another similarly colored stripe extends from behind the pectoral fin, along the base of the belly, and to the end of the anal fin.
Size/Length: To 1" (2.5 cm)
Similar species: Dwarf Corydoras ( Corydoras hastatus )
H: South America; Rio Madeira and its tributaries (Brazil). This fish is found swimming in mid-water in huge schools of thousands in the wild.
A: middle, top
Aquarium: 16" (60 cm) or 5 gallons (19 L). See C. hastatus for other tank specifications.
Water chemistry: pH 6-7.8 (7.0); 1-30 dH (10); 75-82°F (24-28°C)
FOOD: Small live foods; small aquatic insects, white worms, Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; small flakes
Social behavior: A peaceful, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Combine in a community tank with small, peaceful fish. Do not place this little catfish with large fish as the Pygmy Corydoras may be mistaken for food. Easily intimidated by larger fish
Social behavior: As for Corydoras hastatus .
Suggested companions: Females are slightly larger than males.
Breeding techniques: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water. Use a well-planted tank. Eggs are laid singly on leaves. Fry often appear in heavily planted, lowly populated tanks.
Breeding potential: 6. This catfish is a fairly easy species to breed.
Remarks: Most available of the pygmy Corydoras species.
Difficulty of care: 4. A hardy fish recommended for most community tanks having small fish.