Photo: Anastasiya Lvova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pygmy corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
3 cm
Adult size
50 L
Minimum volume
8
Minimum group
5 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Corydoras
- Diet
- omnivore
- Social life
- shoal
In the wild
Overview
Described in 1966 by Joachim Knaack, the pygmy corydoras is one of the smallest armoured catfish: about 2.5 cm. A thin black stripe runs along its silvery flank, which sets it apart from C. hastatus, which has a diamond-shaped spot on the caudal peduncle instead.
Since the 2024 revision of the corydoras, FishBase places it in the genus Gastrodermus, with other dwarf species.
- Scientific name
- Gastrodermus pygmaeus (Knaack, 1966)Current valid name; in the hobby: Corydoras pygmaeus
- Classification
- Siluriformes › Callichthyidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Rio Madeira basin (Brazil)
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It seems to be endemic to the Rio Madeira basin, in Brazil. It lives in small tributaries, creeks, pools and flooded forest, often in large numbers in the shelter of bank vegetation or roots.
The water there is soft and slightly acidic to neutral, between 22 and 26 °C.
Behaviour
Unlike most corydoras, it readily swims in open water, in tight shoals, sometimes mixed with other small fish: it makes an excellent “dither fish” for dwarf cichlids. Very peaceful but tiny, it is intimidated by larger tankmates, and angelfish or gouramis may eat it.
A group of at least 6, ideally 10, is recommended. Its small mouth calls for fine or crushed food. Seen from above, females are broader and slightly larger.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth