Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy Corydoras requires a minimum of 10 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (1 inch), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Pygmy Corydoras sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

The Pygmy Corydoras needs a tank of at least 10 gallons, a temperature of 74-80°F and pH 6.5-7.5. Adults reach about 1 inch and live 3-5 years. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.

Pygmy Corydoras prefers freshwater parameters: Temperature: 74-80°F pH: 6.5-7.5 GH: 4-12 dGH KH: 3-8 dKH Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 20 ppm long-term Copper: 0 (especially critical for invertebrates) Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.

Pygmy Corydoras is a omnivore. Eats a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Quality flake or pellet (Hikari, New Life Spectrum, Tetra) plus frozen mysis or bloodworms 2-3x weekly produces best color and behavior. Feed Pygmy Corydoras appropriately for its size + activity level.

Pygmy Corydoras reaches 1 inch at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 3-5 years with proper care. Most freshwater species live 3-10 years; larger species (oscars, plecos, knifefish) reach 10-20+ years. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (1 inch), territorial range, and behavior pattern.

Pygmy Corydoras is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Pygmy Corydoras for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.

Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. The captive-bred Pygmy Corydoras sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.