Pygmy Corydoras

Cory Cats (Corydoras) are a very popular fish in the hobby. They originate from South America from slow moving waters in softer and acidic environments. Like other catfish they have armored bodies and sharp spikes at the end of each fin, However Corydora’s average size is about 3 inches with some being slightly smaller or slightly larger. Mostly found in smaller sized streams along rivers, marshes and ponds. Cory Cats congregate around vegetation by the banks of these areas. Mostly bottom dwelling fish they can be found foraging through the sand for food such as insect larva, worms and vegetable matter. Known as schooling fish they can be found in groups of hundreds where they occur. Also unique to the Cory Cat is their ability to breathe air through the water and the surface, they can be found dashing to the surface for a gulp of air and darting quickly back to the floor.

The Pygmy Corydoras is one of the smallest varieties of Cory Cat available in the hobby today. They are overall silver coloration with a distinct line through the lateral portion of the body. Depending on water conditions they may also have grey backs. Typically growing to around 2 cm they are a true pygmy fish. This is great as they can be kept in schools in smaller varieties of tanks. We suggest keeping the Pygmy Cory in groups of 5 to 10 but depending on the tank size the more the merrier. Cory cats are known for their bubbly personalities and interesting behavior as they sift through substrate of an aquarium occasionally darting to the surface. Females of the Pygmy Cory tend to be slightly longer and more round in the belly. Cory cats are also known for their interesting breeding behavior as the female get into “T position” and suck the milt out of the male which is quickly internalized. Afterwords the female is free to leave and lay an egg sack wherever is most suitable.

The Pygmy Cory cat is particularly popular in aquariums. They can be kept in community tanks with tetras and other fish such as Rasbora. They are also known to be cohabit-able with smaller shrimp and other invertebrates which are generally eaten by other bottom dwellers. Peaceful fish that appreciate sandy bottoms Pygmy Corys will eat frozen blood worms and sinking pellets. Pygmy Cory cats are unique for their size and have interesting habits which are fun to observe.