{"product_id":"pygmy-cory-catfish-corydoras-pygmaeus","title":"Pygmy Cory Catfish – Corydoras Pygmaeus","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"tropicflow-product-description\" style=\"max-width: 920px; margin: 0 auto; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.7; color: #333;\"\u003e\n\u003c!-- QUICK ANSWER --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f5faf8; border-left: 4px solid #016141; padding: 18px 20px; margin: 0 0 28px 0; border-radius: 4px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 18px;\"\u003eQuick Answer:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 8px 0 0 0;\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Cory\u003c\/strong\u003e or \u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Corydoras\u003c\/strong\u003e, is a tiny, peaceful freshwater catfish known for its slender silver body, dark horizontal stripe, and active schooling behavior. Unlike many larger Cory catfish, Pygmy Corys frequently swim through the lower and middle levels of the aquarium. Best kept in groups of \u003cstrong\u003e6 or more\u003c\/strong\u003e, they are an excellent choice for peaceful planted and nano community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- INTRO --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish (Corydoras pygmaeus)\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the smallest and most unique Cory-type catfish in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Its miniature adult size, peaceful temperament, and distinctive schooling behavior make it especially popular for planted aquariums and carefully planned nano tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePygmy Corys have a slender silver-to-gray body with a prominent dark horizontal stripe extending from the head toward the tail. While they still spend time exploring the substrate, they are unusual among Cory catfish because they frequently swim and hover together in \u003cstrong\u003emidwater\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaxonomy note:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species has traditionally been known in the aquarium trade as \u003cem\u003eCorydoras pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e. Under newer scientific classification, it may also be listed as \u003cem\u003eGastrodermus pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e. Both names refer to the fish commonly sold as the \u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- INFORMATION TABLE --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish Care Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"overflow-x: auto; margin: 18px 0 30px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; min-width: 520px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background: #016141; color: #fff; text-align: left; padding: 12px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd; width: 38%;\"\u003eCare Requirement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"background: #016141; color: #fff; text-align: left; padding: 12px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Information\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003ePygmy Cory, Pygmy Cory Catfish, Pygmy Corydoras\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eCorydoras pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e \/ \u003cem\u003eGastrodermus pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eApproximately 0.8–1.2 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e6.4–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e10+ Gallons Recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended Group Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e6+ Recommended; 10+ Preferred\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003ePeaceful \u0026amp; Social\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eBottom to Midwater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eBeginner-Friendly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background: #f8f8f8;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding: 11px 14px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eMadeira River Basin, South America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- APPEARANCE --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003eWhat Does a Pygmy Cory Catfish Look Like?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish have a small, slender body that is usually silver-gray with a strong dark horizontal stripe running along each side. Their fins are mostly transparent, creating a clean and subtle appearance that works especially well in planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir miniature size makes them noticeably different from many larger Cory species. Despite their small appearance, a healthy school of \u003cstrong\u003eCorydoras pygmaeus\u003c\/strong\u003e can create a surprising amount of activity throughout the lower and middle portions of the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- BEHAVIOR --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Behavior \u0026amp; Group Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePygmy Corys are \u003cstrong\u003epeaceful, highly social fish\u003c\/strong\u003e that should be maintained in groups rather than individually. We recommend keeping at least \u003cstrong\u003e6 Pygmy Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e, while groups of 10 or more can display even more natural and confident schooling behavior when aquarium space allows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike many traditional Cory catfish, Pygmy Corys do not remain exclusively on the aquarium floor. They regularly swim through the lower and middle water column, hover near plants, rest on leaves and driftwood, and then return to the substrate to forage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- PYGMY CORY FEATURE --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f5faf8; border-left: 4px solid #016141; padding: 18px 20px; margin: 26px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"color: #016141;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Feature:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 7px 0 0 0;\"\u003eOne of the biggest differences between Pygmy Corys and many larger Cory catfish is their \u003cstrong\u003emidwater schooling behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e. A proper group may frequently swim together above the substrate, making them especially fun to watch in a planted aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- TANK SETUP --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003eIdeal Aquarium Setup for Pygmy Corydoras\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e10-gallon or larger aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e provides a practical starting point for a school of Pygmy Cory Catfish. Although they are very small, enough swimming space should be provided so the group can comfortably explore and school together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003esoft sand substrate or smooth fine gravel\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended because Pygmy Corys regularly forage along the aquarium floor using their sensitive barbels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants, driftwood, smooth rocks, leaf litter, and shaded resting areas can create a comfortable natural-style environment while leaving enough open space for schooling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- WATER --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish generally do well at temperatures around \u003cstrong\u003e72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e with a pH of approximately \u003cstrong\u003e6.4–7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore important than constantly adjusting the water to reach an exact number is maintaining a stable, fully cycled aquarium with clean and well-oxygenated water. Sudden changes in temperature, pH, ammonia, or nitrite can place unnecessary stress on these small fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- DIET --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003eWhat Do Pygmy Cory Catfish Eat?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Corys are omnivores\u003c\/strong\u003e and should receive a varied diet appropriate for their very small mouths. High-quality sinking micro pellets and finely sized foods can be used as staple foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir diet may also be supplemented with appropriately sized frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and finely chopped or small frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #fff8e8; border-left: 4px solid #d49a17; padding: 16px 18px; margin: 20px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pygmy Corys should not be purchased simply as aquarium “cleaner fish.” Although they forage for food on the bottom, they still require their own nutritious diet. Make sure appropriately sized food reaches the school before faster tank mates consume everything.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- TANK MATES --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir peaceful temperament makes Pygmy Cory Catfish suitable for carefully selected freshwater community aquariums. Because they are extremely small, tank mates should also be peaceful and unlikely to chase, intimidate, or eat them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePotential tank mates may include small peaceful tetras, nano rasboras, other small peaceful community fish, compatible Cory species, and freshwater shrimp in an appropriately planned aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid large predatory fish, aggressive species, and tank mates that may consistently outcompete the Pygmy Corys for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- WHY PYGMY CORY --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003eWhy Choose Pygmy Cory Catfish?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul style=\"padding-left: 22px;\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTiny adult size\u003c\/strong\u003e ideal for smaller planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePeaceful temperament\u003c\/strong\u003e for nano community setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique bottom-to-midwater schooling behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive silver body with a dark horizontal stripe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive and entertaining when maintained in a proper group\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for planted freshwater aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInteresting alternative to larger Cory catfish species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- IMPORTANT BEFORE BUYING --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #f5faf8; border: 1px solid #d8e8e2; padding: 20px; margin: 30px 0; border-radius: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 21px; margin: 0 0 10px 0;\"\u003eBefore Buying Pygmy Cory Catfish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003ePygmy Corys are social fish and should not be kept alone. Plan to keep \u003cstrong\u003eat least 6 fish\u003c\/strong\u003e, with larger groups preferred when aquarium space and filtration allow. Make sure your aquarium is fully cycled and choose small, peaceful tank mates that will not intimidate these tiny Cory catfish or prevent them from feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- FAQ --\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #016141; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 34px;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish FAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eHow big do Pygmy Cory Catfish get?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish generally reach approximately \u003cstrong\u003e0.8–1.2 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e, making them one of the smallest Cory-type catfish commonly kept in freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\" open=\"\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eHow many Pygmy Corys should be kept together?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003eKeep Pygmy Corys in a group of at least \u003cstrong\u003e6 fish\u003c\/strong\u003e. Larger groups of around 10 or more are often preferable when aquarium space and filtration allow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eWhat temperature is best for Pygmy Corydoras?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003eA general recommended temperature range for Pygmy Corys is approximately \u003cstrong\u003e72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e. Choose tank mates that are comfortable within a compatible temperature range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eAre Pygmy Cory Catfish peaceful?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003eYes. Pygmy Cory Catfish are very peaceful and are best kept with other small, non-aggressive freshwater community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eDo Pygmy Corys stay on the bottom?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003eNot always. Pygmy Corys frequently swim through the lower and middle portions of the aquarium. This midwater schooling behavior is one of the characteristics that makes \u003cem\u003eCorydoras pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e different from many larger Cory species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eCan Pygmy Corys live in a 10-gallon aquarium?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003eA properly maintained \u003cstrong\u003e10-gallon or larger aquarium\u003c\/strong\u003e can be suitable for a small school of Pygmy Corys. Provide stable water quality, suitable filtration, plants or other cover, and enough open swimming space for the group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eAre Pygmy Corys good for nano aquariums?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003eYes. Their tiny adult size makes Pygmy Corys a popular option for appropriately sized nano aquariums. However, enough space should still be provided for a proper social group rather than keeping only one or two fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eIs Corydoras pygmaeus the same as Gastrodermus pygmaeus?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003eYes. The Pygmy Cory has traditionally been known as \u003cem\u003eCorydoras pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e and is still widely sold under that name. Newer scientific classification places the species in the genus \u003cem\u003eGastrodermus\u003c\/em\u003e, making \u003cem\u003eGastrodermus pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e the updated scientific combination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 13px 0;\"\u003e\n\u003csummary style=\"cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; color: #016141;\"\u003eDo Pygmy Corys clean the bottom of the aquarium?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 10px 0 5px 0;\"\u003ePygmy Corys naturally forage around the substrate for small foods, but they should not be considered a replacement for aquarium maintenance. They require their own nutritious foods along with regular water changes and aquarium cleaning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c!-- FINAL --\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top: 34px; padding: 22px; background: #016141; color: #fff; border-radius: 5px;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"color: #fff; font-size: 23px; margin: 0 0 10px 0;\"\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish at Tropicflow Aquatic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 0;\"\u003eAdd a tiny school with a big personality to your freshwater aquarium with the \u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Cory Catfish\u003c\/strong\u003e. Their peaceful nature, miniature size, distinctive horizontal stripe, and unique bottom-to-midwater schooling behavior make \u003cstrong\u003eCorydoras pygmaeus\u003c\/strong\u003e an excellent choice for planted aquariums and carefully selected nano community setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Tropicflow","offers":[{"title":"1 Fish","offer_id":52688562651434,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 Fish","offer_id":52688562684202,"sku":null,"price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 Fish – Recommended","offer_id":52688562716970,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0667\/6237\/5466\/files\/pygmy-corydoras-catfish-1.png?v=1789868376","url":"https:\/\/tropicflow.com\/products\/pygmy-cory-catfish-corydoras-pygmaeus","provider":"Tropicflow","version":"1.0","type":"link"}