Pygmy Corydoras

Corydoras pygmaeus

Care profile for Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus): 2.5 cm adult size, 22–26°C, pH 5.5–7.5, beginner difficulty.

Care Parameters

Adult size

2.5 cm

Min tank

40 L

Temperature

22–26°C

5.5–7.5

2–12 dGH

Diet

Omnivore

Temperament

Peaceful

Water zone

Bottom

Difficulty

Beginner

Schooling

School of 8 or more.

Suitable Plants

Red Rotala

Red stem plant. Turns red under high light with CO₂.

Monte Carlo

Care profile for Monte Carlo: high light, medium CO₂, intermediate difficulty.

Red Root Floater

A floating plant that develops striking red roots and reddish leaf undersides under high light. Provides shade and natural algae control. Breeding ground for fry.

Ludwigia repens

Care profile for Ludwigia repens: medium light, low-medium CO₂, intermediate difficulty.

Duckweed

The smallest flowering plant — a tiny floating fern that doubles its coverage in days. Excellent nutrient absorber but extremely difficult to remove once established. Use with caution.

Compatible Invertebrates

Blue Tiger Shrimp

A selectively bred freshwater shrimp with striking deep blue coloration. Requires soft, acidic water and careful parameter maintenance. Prized by shrimp collectors.

Malaysian Trumpet Snail

A conically shelled burrower that aerates the substrate and patrols it for leftover food at night. Females reproduce by parthenogenesis, so a single snail can seed a colony - they are a genuine muck-prevention asset, but heavy feeding will let them multiply fast.

Red Cherry Shrimp

A tiny, vivid red dwarf shrimp that breeds easily and endlessly entertains. Fine in nano tanks from 20 L; keep GH 4-15 dGH for successful molting, avoid copper-based medications entirely, and use a sponge filter so young shrimplets never get sucked in.

Sulawesi Cardinal Shrimp

A stunning red and white striped shrimp from the ancient lakes of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Unlike most Caridina, it thrives in warm, alkaline water (pH 7.5-8.5, 26-30°C).