Pygmy Cory – Aquarium Fish
The Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus) is a small freshwater fish. They are overall silver in color with one large black stripe that runs the length of its body. The natural home of the Pygmy Cory is the rivers of South America, particularly Brazil and the Madeira river. They can grow up to around 3 cm (1.2 inches) in length but are more often 2-2.5 cm.
Similar to other Tetras, such as the Green Neon Tetra, Pygmy Cory are best kept together in groups. 10+ in one school works well as long as the tank is of sufficient size.
The male Pygmy Cory is more streamlined than the female. It is both thinner and usually smaller than the female.
Caring for your Pygmy Cory
Pygmy Cory are quite easy to keep in your aquarium and require only a low to medium amount of care. As a peaceful, schooling fish they can be great for a community aquarium. Just make sure no other fish will take advantage of its small size and have it for breakfast!
Habitat
Pygmy cordoras are native to the streams of South America, particularly the Maderia river in Brazil. These streams are usually in forest areas. As a result the water is often dirty / muddy and with slow water flow.
Within these streams Pygmy Corys prefer to find protected areas. They are assisted by the surrounding forests which provide a dense canopy and provides plenty of roots, fallen branches and debris around which to hide. The Pygmy Corys are often found in large schools, hiding among these roots, debris and other solid matter in the river.
Fish Tank Conditions
As always, it is sensible to provide Pygmy Corys with a similar environment within your fish tank that they would experience in the wild.
Given Pygmy Cory’s preference for protected areas within the streams it is important to provide them with similar protection within the tank. This could include an abundance of plants as well as rock or other formations. You could even go as far as giving them an aquarium shipwreck!
It is also reasonable to go one step further and block out light (particularly bright light) from entering one or more sides of the aquarium. This will help to mimic the dense canopies present in their natural habitat.
It is also important to mimic the slow water flow the Pygmy Cory are used to. Your filter will need to be strong enough to keep your tank clean, but avoid filters that will stir up the water unnecessarily and provide too much of a current. Otherwise your Pygmy Corys are likely to become stressed and unhappy.
Due to the small size of these fish, it is possible to keep them in a 5 gallon fish tank. However, if you want to keep them in larger schools (or add a number of other tank-mates) then it is worth considering at least 10 gallon fish tank (if not larger).
Given the bottom dwelling nature of these catfish it is important for the substrate to have nothing sharp. A sandy substrate, or even smooth pebbles, is far better than gravel. This will ensure that the Pygmy Corys do not injure themselves when swimming along the bottom. Not only will then help them to stay healthy, but it gives them the ability to dig around in the substrate and have some fun!
Ideal Water Conditions
Pygmy Corys thrive in water conditions similar to their natural habitat. This has a pH close to 7.0 and a temperature of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degree Celsius). If you are not able to maintain these exact parameters, then at least consider the range of 72-78 °F and 6.5-7.5 pH.
In addition to these requirements it is important that the tank has no ammonia and incredibly low nitrates. Remember to cycle the water before introducing them into the tank.
General care of the Pygmy Cory is relatively straightforward. The one complexity is selecting its tank-mates. It is important to ensure that you do not add it to a tank where it will get eaten!
Lighting
Pygmy corydoras are used to low light levels. This is due to their natural habitats also having low light (murky rivers lined with trees). Adding a range of plants, blocking out direct sunlight and choosing an aquarium light of moderate strength are all good options for ensuring that your catfish is happy.
Filters
It is important to keep your fish tank clean. For this you will need a filter of sufficient size. However, you should avoid buying a filter that is stronger than necessary. The Pygmy Cory is happiest when there is minimal water flow / current. An overly powerful filter will make the water too turbulent for their liking.
Feeding / Nutrition
Pygmy Corys are omnivorous bottom-feeders. They can be fed a wide range of foods as long as it is small enough to fit in their tiny mouths! Cycling their food, and mixing things up, will help to ensure that they get all of the required nutrients.
Options include:
- Newly hatched brine shrimp
- Flakes (either small flakes or ground up flakes)
- Pellets ( again either small versions or ground up into small pieces)
- Microworms
- Plant matter
- Daphnia
Be careful to ensure that you only feed your Pygmy Cory small pieces to ensure that they do not choke.
Feeding twice per day is ideal. Ensure that you are not feeding excess amounts that are then left at the bottom of the tank to rot.
Difficulty
Pygmy Cory are hardy fish that are relatively easy to care for. As long as the tank is well maintained at the appropriate conditions, your catfish will likely thrive.
The only thing to ensure is that you are adding it to a tank with appropriate tankmates. Large or aggressive fish may see your diminutive Cory and decide that it would make for a rather enjoyable meal!
Pygmy Cory Behavior
Pygmy Corys are peaceful fish. They spend the majority of their time swimming at the middle and bottom of the tank. This is slightly different to most Corydoras, who will spend the majority of their time at the bottom of the tank only. Something to bear in mind when selecting potential tank mates.
Due to their small statue they are best kept away from large and / or aggressive fish. Otherwise they will be intimidated and perhaps even eaten!
Pygmy Corys live in schools in the wild. They are similarly more comfortable in aquariums if they are in a school. Putting 6-10 of them together will help to keep them happy and stress free.
Pygmy Cory – Conclusion
Pygmy Corys can make for great aquarium fish. Their silver color and tendency to swim as a school can create some brilliant visual displays. Added to this their peaceful and non-aggressive nature it is easy to see why many fish keepers enjoy having them in their aquarium.
Their hardy nature is another reason why they can be a great option for your fish tank. Just remember that they spend a large amount of their time in the middle of the aquarium (unlike most other Corys which stay on the bottom). This, and the fact that they cannot be in a tank with aggressive companions are the only real things you need to keep in mind when putting together your aquarium.
If you end up deciding that Pygmy Cory are not for you, there are still a range of different options available to you. Fish such as Guppies or even Dwarf Gourami could make great alternatives for your tank!