Add lively charm and efficient bottom-cleaning to your aquarium with the Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus), also known as the pygmy cory, dwarf corydoras, or pygmy cory catfish. These tiny, peaceful schooling fish are perfect for nano tanks, planted aquascapes, and community setups. Their active, social nature and easy care make Pygmy Corys a favorite among aquarists of all levels. Pygmy corydoras are native to the soft, slow-moving streams and flooded forests of the Amazon Basin in Brazil. Unlike most Corydoras species, which are exclusively bottom-dwellers, Pygmy Corys often swim in the mid-water column as well as along the substrate. Their silvery bodies, bold horizontal stripes, and tiny size make them both beautiful and fun to watch, especially when kept in groups. Pygmy cory catfish are true nano fish, reaching an adult size of just 0.75–1 inch (2–2.5 cm). Their slim, streamlined bodies, striking black horizontal line, and playful schooling behavior set them apart from other small catfish and make them ideal for nano and desktop aquariums. Dwarf corydoras are among the most peaceful freshwater fish, making them excellent tankmates for freshwater shrimp, small Tetras, Rasboras, Otocinclus, and other gentle species. To see their best behavior, keep them in groups of at least six. Larger groups are even better, as they’ll school tightly and display more natural, outgoing behaviors. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Pygmy Corydoras for sale are raised with the utmost care. All our Corydoras species for sale are tank-bred and acclimated for home aquariums, ensuring robust health and vibrant colors. Visit our fish store online or in person at aquarium in Virginia to explore our wide selection of high-quality freshwater fish for sale. We also offer betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, aquarium plants for sale, and a variety of aquarium supplies. What You Can Expect From This Fish True nano catfish, max size 0.75–1 inch, perfect for nano and desktop tanks Active schooling fish; happiest and most colorful in large groups Peaceful, community-friendly, and safe for shrimp tanks Great bottom cleaner and algae helper for planted aquascapes Hardy, easy to care for, and adaptable for beginners and experts Recommended Tank Parameters Tank Size: 10 gallons minimum for a small school; more space for larger groups Temperature: 72°–79°F (22°–26°C) pH: 6.0–7.5 Hardness: 2–12 dGH Filtration: Gentle flow, clean and well-oxygenated water Care Guidelines Diet: Omnivorous. Feed high-quality fish foods like sinking micro pellets, wafers, crushed flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods (baby brine shrimp, microworms, daphnia). Supplement with blanched veggies for variety. Tank Setup: Use soft sand or fine gravel substrate to protect delicate barbels. Plant densely, provide driftwood, and add leaf litter for natural cover. Keep a secure lid, as pygmy corydoras sometimes dart to the surface. Behavior: Social and active, best kept in schools of 6+ for confident, natural activity. Will swim at all levels, not just the bottom. See more details on How to Care for Pygmy Corydoras here. Pygmy Corydoras Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is Pygmy Cory lifespan? Pygmy Corydoras have a typical lifespan of 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium. Providing stable water quality, a varied diet, and keeping them in groups helps ensure your pygmy corys remain healthy and active throughout their lives. How big do Pygmy Corydoras get? Pygmy Corydoras are one of the smallest catfish species, reaching an adult size of just 0.75 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm). Their petite size makes them perfect for nano, desktop, and planted aquariums. Can I keep Pygmy Corydoras with other fish? Yes, Pygmy Corydoras are peaceful and do very well with other gentle community fish. They are ideal tankmates for small Tetras, Rasboras, Otocinclus, Shrimp, and other non-aggressive species. Always avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that might see them as prey. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What is Pygmy Cory lifespan?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pygmy Corydoras have a typical lifespan of 3 to 5 years in a well-maintained aquarium. Providing stable water quality, a varied diet, and keeping them in groups helps ensure your pygmy corys remain healthy and active throughout their lives." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "How big do Pygmy Corydoras get?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Pygmy Corydoras are one of the smallest catfish species, reaching an adult size of just 0.75 to 1 inch (2 to 2.5 cm). Their petite size makes them perfect for nano, desktop, and planted aquariums." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I keep Pygmy Corydoras with other fish?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Pygmy Corydoras are peaceful and do very well with other gentle community fish. They are ideal tankmates for small Tetras, Rasboras, Otocinclus, Shrimp, and other non-aggressive species. Always avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that might see them as prey." } }] }
