Do Pygmy Corys require a sand substrate?

Yes, sand is highly recommended. Like all Corydoras, they use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. Sharp gravel can erode or damage their barbels, leading to severe bacterial infections and starvation.

Why are my Pygmy Corys swimming in the middle of the tank?

This is completely normal behaviour for this specific species. Unlike larger Corydoras that are strict bottom-dwellers, Pygmy Corys are known for shoaling and hovering in the mid-water column.

Will Pygmy Corys eat my baby cherry shrimp?

It is highly unlikely. Their mouths are incredibly small, and they generally ignore tankmates. While the absolute smallest, freshly hatched shrimplets might theoretically be eaten if they cross paths, Pygmy Corys are widely considered one of the safest fish for a shrimp tank.

How many Pygmy Corys should I keep together?

You should keep an absolute minimum of 8, but a group of 10 to 15 is highly recommended. The larger the shoal, the more active and confident they will be.

Why do my Pygmy Corys suddenly dart to the surface?

Corydoras possess a specialised intestine that allows them to breathe atmospheric air. Darting to the surface for a quick gulp of air is a completely natural behaviour. However, if they do it constantly, check your aquarium's oxygen levels and water parameters.

FreshwaterTropicalBeginner

Pygmy Cory

Corydoras pygmaeus

A tiny, gregarious catfish that breaks the mould of standard bottom-dwellers by frequently hovering in the mid-water column like a tiny tetra.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 2 – 3 cm
minimum for a group of 8: 40 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: omnivore
Water flow: low to moderate
Preferred setup: Fine sand substrate, dense planting, and leaf litter with open swimming areas.

About the Pygmy Cory

The Pygmy Cory is one of the most beloved nano fish in the aquarium hobby. Unlike larger members of the Callichthyidae family that spend their entire day sifting through the substrate, the Pygmy Cory is an active mid-water swimmer. They form tight, synchronous shoals that flutter through the aquarium, occasionally stopping to rest on broad plant leaves or driftwood. Their diminutive size makes them perfect for small planted setups, but it also means they are incredibly vulnerable in tanks with larger, more boisterous species.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Pygmy Cory comes from

Native range

Madeira River basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Peru

Habitat

Slow-moving tributaries, oxbow lakes, and flooded forest floors rich in marginal vegetation and leaf litter.

Primarily collected around the Rio Madeira basin in Brazil, though populations exist in surrounding upper Amazonian tributaries.

Similar species

Dwarf Cory
Corydoras hastatus
Salt and Pepper Cory
Corydoras habrosus
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus

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

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

View all compatibility

Ember Tetra
Hyphessobrycon amandae
Shares identical water parameters and their small size ensures the corys will not feel intimidated.
Great
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Pygmy Corys have mouths too small to predate on anything but the absolute smallest newborn shrimp, making them highly compatible.
Great
Chilli Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
A highly peaceful, nano-sized companion that occupies the upper water column without causing stress.
Great
Betta
Betta splendens
While generally safe due to the corys occupying different water levels, particularly aggressive Bettas may harass them, and the corys' mid-water hovering can sometimes trigger territoriality.
Compatible with caution
Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
Adult Angelfish are large enough to view Pygmy Corys as food, posing a significant choking hazard to the cichlid and lethal risk to the catfish.
Compatible with caution
Tiger Barb
Puntigrus tetrazona
Far too boisterous and prone to nipping, which will cause immense stress to the timid Pygmy Cory.
Not recommended
Oscar
Astronotus ocellatus
Will actively hunt and consume any fish small enough to fit in its mouth, including Pygmy Corys.
Not recommended

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