Why are my Dwarf Cories swimming in the middle of the tank?

Unlike most other Corydoras that strictly hug the bottom, *Corydoras hastatus* is a mid-water schooling fish. Hovering in the middle of the water column is their natural, healthy behaviour.

Do they absolutely need a sand substrate?

Yes. Even though they spend time in the mid-water, they still forage on the bottom. Sharp or coarse gravel will erode their delicate barbels, leading to severe infections and starvation.

Can I keep Dwarf Cories with shrimp?

Yes, they are one of the most shrimp-safe fish available in the hobby. While they might opportunistically eat a freshly hatched shrimplet if it fits in their tiny mouths, they will peacefully coexist with adult dwarf shrimp.

Why are they darting to the surface?

Corydoras have a specialised intestine that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. An occasional quick dash to the surface for a gulp of air is completely normal behaviour.

What is the difference between Corydoras hastatus and Corydoras pygmaeus?

*C. hastatus* has a distinct black diamond or arrow shape on its tail base, whereas *C. pygmaeus* features a solid dark horizontal stripe running the entire length of its body.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Dwarf Cory

Corydoras hastatus

A delightful, highly social nano fish that breaks the typical corydoras mould by spending much of its time hovering in the mid-water.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 20 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 2.5 – 3 cm
Standard 40L nano or breeder: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Omnivore - requires micro-foods
Water flow: Gentle to moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sand substrate essential, dense planting, and leaf litter.

About the Dwarf Cory

The Dwarf Cory (*Corydoras hastatus*) is one of the true 'pygmy' species of the Callichthyidae family. Unlike its larger, substrate-dwelling cousins, this miniature catfish spends the majority of its day hovering gracefully in the middle levels of the aquarium. Their distinctive black-and-white tail markings and continuous, synchronised schooling make them a captivating centrepiece for planted nano tanks.

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Where Dwarf Cory comes from

Native range

Amazon River basin, Paraguay River basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay

Habitat

Slow-moving streams, shallow ponds, and flooded wetlands with dense marginal vegetation.

Widely distributed across central South America, heavily associated with the Pantanal wetlands.

Similar species

Pygmy Cory
Corydoras pygmaeus
Salt and Pepper Cory
Corydoras habrosus
Panda Cory
Corydoras panda

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Equally peaceful micro-fish that thrive in similar planted conditions without outcompeting the cories for food.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Dwarf cories are among the few fish small and peaceful enough to be kept safely with breeding dwarf shrimp.
Great
Otocinclus
Otocinclus spp.
Gentle algae-grazers that share water parameter requirements and pose no threat to the small cories.
Great
Apistogramma
Apistogramma spp.
While generally peaceful, dwarf cichlids can become highly territorial during breeding and may harass small bottom-dwellers.
Compatible with caution
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Angelfish grow large enough to view dwarf cories as prey, which can lead to the cory being eaten or lodging fatally in the angelfish's throat.
Not recommended

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