The Pygmaeus Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) is one of the smallest and most delightful bottom-dwellers you can add to a freshwater aquarium. These miniature catfish only reach about 2.5-3 cm fully grown, with females tending to be slightly larger and rounder in body shape. They have a silvery-white body with a thin, solid black stripe running from the snout all the way to the tail, sometimes accompanied by a lower faint stripe and darker shading along the top. When young, they display vertical stripes that fade as the horizontal stripe develops.
Peaceful, social, and always on the move, Pygmaeus Corys are happiest in groups. Keep at least 6-10 together so they feel secure and display their natural shoaling behaviour. They spend most time near the bottom, but unlike some Corydoras species, they often drift in the lower middle levels too, which adds life throughout the tank.
To keep them healthy, aim for clean, stable water with gentle flow, soft to moderately hard water, temperature around 22-26 °C (≈ 72-79 °F), and pH in the mildly acidic to neutral range. A fine sandy substrate protects their delicate barbels, and plants, driftwood or leaf litter provide hiding places and mimic their natural habitat.
Their diet should be varied: fine sinking pellets, microfood, live or frozen treats like daphnia or brine shrimp, and occasional softer foods. Because of their small size, feeding should be in small amounts so they’re not outcompeted by faster eaters.
With good care, these little fish live about 2-4 years, sometimes more. They’re a lovely addition if you want gentle activity at the bottom of the tank and a species that complements other peaceful small fish.
