Corydoras hastatus, commonly known as the Tail-spot Pygmy Cory, is one of the smallest catfish species in the hobby, reaching an adult size of only 1 to 1.25 inches (2.5–3 cm). Native to the Amazon and Paraguay River basins, they are highly social and unique for their mid-water swimming behavior, often schooling with small tetras rather than staying strictly on the substrate. Quick Care Guide (2026) Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a school of 6–10 individuals. Water Parameters: Temperature: 68–78°F (20–26°C). pH: 6.0–7.5; they prefer soft, slightly acidic water. Hardness: Acidic to neutral. Substrate: Fine sand is essential to protect their delicate barbels and encourage natural foraging behavior. Diet: Omnivorous. They accept high-quality crushed flakes, micro pellets, and small frozen foods like baby brine shrimp or daphnia. Key Characteristics Appearance: They have a silver-translucent body with a distinctive black spearhead-shaped spot at the base of the tail, bordered by two small white spots. Behavior: Unlike typical corys, C. hastatus spends much of its time hovering in the mid-water column. They are peaceful but can be shy, so they thrive best in heavily planted tanks with plenty of cover. Social Needs: They must be kept in groups. While a minimum of 6 is often cited, they are significantly more active and secure in schools of 10 or more. Availability: While popular in 2026 for nano tanks, they can be harder to find than other dwarf species like C. pygmaeus and are sometimes mislabeled in stores. Breeding They are colony breeders. In a species-only tank with soft water and dense vegetation like Java moss, they may spawn spontaneously. A female typically deposits up to 100 sticky eggs on plants or glass. Unlike some larger corys, adults are less likely to eat their own eggs if well-fed.
