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I was recently told that C. pygmaeus prefers smaller tanks and can be spooked in larger tanks. Is there any truth in this?

Very cool fish, first of all. Wish they were easier to get here
I had a school of about 10 I think..started out with them in a 20 gal long. In there, they kinda mixed with the Ottos at times..and were more of a bottom dwelling fish.
I then decided to put them in a 125 gal tank. In this big tank, they stayed on floating plants (albeit fake). These plants rested just below the surface. They weren't spooky at all though.Seemed really calm in this setup, however, they stayed far too close to the surface too much of the time..enough so that the African Butterfly Fish were able to grab them. This got them moved back to the 20 gal long. But as far as they seemed concerned, the big tank suited them just fine.

Thanks girlunderrainbow, I love my little guys and they seem happy, just want the best for them!
Does anyone else have any experience with them?

Last edited by Lucylou at 06-Mar-2005 03:19

I kept these for some time a few years ago.

They fare best in aquaria with other small, peaceful occupants. And also fare best in aquaria that are maintained with a decent standard of cleanliness.

Corydoras pygmaeus is unusual among the Corydoras catfishes in that it spends most of its time shoaling in midwater. In the wild, it mimics the appearance of a Characin called Hemigrammus brevis, and associates with these fishes.

This species is one of the 'avowedly social' Corydoras, that needs a good sized number of its own kind in order to be happy. Never keep one on irs owm!

Furthermore, if these fishes are placed in an aquarium that has a gravel bed filled with mulm and detritus, it will become listless and fall prey to diseases. Regular water changes and gravel vacs are essential if this species is to be happy and perky in disposition.

Because it is such a tiny fish compared to other Corydoras, a shoal of 10 or 12 is not only possible in the aquarium, but desirable. The species should have the inevitable mixture of plant thickets and open swimming spaces that are de rigeur for many small South American fish species, including the vast range of ever-popular Tetras. Not surprising when you consider that Corydoras pygmaeus shoals with Tetras in the wild!

Oh, and for best results, feed live Daphnia to this species at regular intervals. And you may be pleasantly surprised by the patter of tiny fins!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Thanks Cali! I have 9 pygmaeus (and 9 hastatus) in my 4ft with other tetras. I recently added some apistos and I've seen less of the pygmaeus...the apisto's are pretty bossy though! They seem happy none the less. Thanks for all the info, I'll try the daphnia!

Last edited by Lucylou at 06-Mar-2005 15:04

pygmaeus AND hastatus????

Nice combination!

Post pics of the little guys and gals soon!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002