Tank Setup
- Tank size: 10 gallons for a school of 10–12
- Substrate: Fine sand is ideal — their tiny barbels are delicate
- Plants: Heavily planted with resting spots near the surface (broad-leaved plants like anubias). Pygmy corys perch on leaves and driftwood throughout the water column.
- Flow: Gentle — they are tiny and get pushed around by strong current
Unique Behavior
Unlike regular corydoras that are primarily bottom dwellers, pygmy corys spend much of their time in the mid-water column, hovering in groups. They dart to the surface for gulps of air (normal cory behavior), perch on plant leaves, and school in loose formations. A group of 15+ pygmy corys in a planted nano tank is absolutely charming.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–79°F
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- GH: 2–10 dGH
Diet & Feeding
Their tiny mouths require appropriately sized food:
- Crushed high-quality flakes or micro pellets
- Frozen baby brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia
- They also graze constantly on biofilm in mature tanks
Tank Mates
Only with very small, gentle species. Their tiny size makes them vulnerable to being eaten by anything with a big enough mouth. Excellent companions for cherry shrimp, ember tetras, endlers, and bettas (in larger tanks).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pygmy corydoras should I keep?
At least 10, ideally 15+. In large groups they display confident, active behavior throughout the tank. In small groups they hide and show stress.
Pygmy cory vs habrosus vs hastatus?
All three are "dwarf" corys. Pygmaeus swims mid-water and schools loosely. Habrosus is slightly larger and stays more on the bottom. Hastatus is the smallest and hovers in tight schools near the bottom. All have similar care requirements.