2 (TWO) X Pygmy Cory – Corydoras Pygmaeus – Dwarf Corydoras – SA Catfish, Beautiful Tropical Fish for Planted Tanks, Easy to Care for and Ideal for Community Fish Environments

✓ Care Level: Easy

✓ Feeding Level: Easy

Pygmy Corys are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet to maintain their health and vitality. A balanced diet should include high-quality sinking pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, as well as blanched vegetables like zucchini and spinach. Feed them small amounts 2-3 times a day, ensuring that they consume all food within a few minutes to prevent water quality issues. It’s important to observe their feeding habits and adjust portion sizes accordingly.

✓ Breeding Level: Intermediate

Breeding Pygmy Corys can be a rewarding experience, although it requires some preparation and care. To encourage spawning, ensure that your tank is well-maintained with optimal water conditions and a varied diet. A separate breeding tank with a gentle sponge filter and fine substrate is recommended. When ready to breed, females will appear noticeably rounder with eggs. The male will chase the female, and after a successful mating, the female will lay eggs on flat surfaces, such as leaves or glass.

✓ Expert Advice: Keep it simple

For optimal care of your Pygmy Corys, consider implementing the following expert tips: First, maintain a stable and clean environment by performing regular water changes and monitoring water parameters. Second, provide a varied diet to enhance their health and coloration; include both high-quality pellets and occasional live or frozen foods. Third, ensure that your tank is well-planted with plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviors. Lastly, always observe your fish for any signs of illness or distress, as early detection is key to maintaining their health.

Q: What tank size is required for Pygmy Corys?

Pygmy Corys are small catfish that thrive in groups, so it is essential to provide them with adequate space. A minimum tank size of 60 litres (15 gallons) is recommended for a small school of six or more Pygmy Corys. This size will allow them enough swimming space and help maintain stable water parameters. It is also crucial to ensure that the tank is well-filtered and has gentle water flow, as these fish prefer calmer waters. Additionally, consider adding plants and hiding spots, as they feel more secure in a well-structured environment.

Q: What water parameters do Pygmy Corys require?

Pygmy Corys thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They prefer soft to moderately hard water, with a hardness of 2-12 dGH. The ideal temperature range is between 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F). Regular monitoring of these parameters is crucial, as fluctuations can stress these sensitive fish. Additionally, maintaining good water quality through regular water changes and filtration is essential to their health and well-being.

Q: How often should I feed Pygmy Corys?

Pygmy Corys are opportunistic feeders and should be given small amounts of food multiple times a day. A feeding schedule of two to three times daily is ideal, offering only what they can consume within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding and water quality issues. They thrive on a diet of high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and occasional treats like frozen or live food. Supplementing their diet with vegetable matter can also be beneficial.

Q: What are the best tank mates for Pygmy Corys?

Pygmy Corys are peaceful and sociable fish, making them excellent community tank inhabitants. Ideal tank mates include small, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf gouramis. Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may see them as prey. It’s best to keep them in groups of six or more, as they feel more secure and exhibit natural behaviours when in a school. Additionally, ensure that all tank mates have similar water parameter needs to promote a harmonious environment.

Q: How do I properly acclimatise Pygmy Corys to my aquarium?

Acclimatising Pygmy Corys is crucial for their successful introduction to a new aquarium. Begin by floating the sealed bag in the tank for about 15-20 minutes to equalise the temperature. After that, gradually introduce small amounts of tank water into the bag every 5-10 minutes over the course of an hour. This process helps them adjust to the new water chemistry. Once acclimatised, gently net the fish and place them in the aquarium, avoiding adding bag water to prevent contamination.

Q: What are the signs of healthy Pygmy Corys?

Healthy Pygmy Corys exhibit active swimming behaviour, exploring their environment and foraging for food. Their fins should be held erect and not clamped against their bodies. Additionally, look for vibrant colours and clear, bright eyes; these are indicators of good health. Healthy fish will also display normal feeding behaviour and should not show signs of distress, such as rapid gill movement or hiding excessively. Regular observation helps ensure they remain healthy and thriving in your aquarium.

Q: How do I successfully breed Pygmy Corys?

Breeding Pygmy Corys is relatively straightforward when their needs are met. Begin with a well-maintained environment, ensuring optimal water parameters and a diet rich in high-quality foods. To encourage breeding, lower the water temperature slightly and perform a partial water change with cooler water. Once spawning occurs, females will lay eggs on flat surfaces or plants. After spawning, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. The eggs will hatch within 3-5 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes.

Q: What temperature should I maintain for Pygmy Corys?

Pygmy Corys thrive in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F). Maintaining a consistent temperature within this range is crucial for their health and well-being. Sudden fluctuations can cause stress and may lead to health issues. It is advisable to use a reliable aquarium heater and thermometer to monitor and adjust the temperature as necessary. Ensure that the heater is appropriately sized for your tank to maintain an even temperature throughout.

Q: How long do Pygmy Corys typically live in captivity?

Pygmy Corys have a lifespan of approximately 5 to 7 years when provided with optimal care in a suitable environment. Factors affecting their longevity include water quality, diet, and overall tank conditions. Maintaining stable water parameters, performing regular water changes, and providing a well-balanced diet will contribute significantly to their health and lifespan. Regular monitoring for signs of stress or disease is also essential to ensure they live a long and healthy life.

Q: What type of substrate is most suitable for Pygmy Corys?

Pygmy Corys prefer a soft substrate that allows them to forage comfortably. Fine sand or smooth gravel is ideal, as it closely resembles their natural habitat. Avoid sharp substrates that may injure their delicate barbels. Additionally, a sandy substrate will enable them to exhibit their natural behaviour, such as burrowing and scavenging. Layering the substrate with some leaf litter can also provide hiding spots and enhance their environment.

Q: What behavioural patterns should I expect from Pygmy Corys?

Pygmy Corys are known for their playful and social behaviour. They enjoy swimming in small schools and often exhibit a charming display of darting and foraging. These fish are bottom dwellers and prefer to scavenge for food amongst the substrate. They are generally peaceful and can often be seen interacting with one another, establishing a social hierarchy. When kept in a well-planted tank, they will also explore their environment, adding to their lively nature.

Q: How can I prevent common diseases in Pygmy Corys?

Preventing diseases in Pygmy Corys primarily involves maintaining excellent water quality and a stable environment. Regular water changes, monitoring parameters, and ensuring proper tank maintenance are key. Additionally, avoid overfeeding, as uneaten food can lead to poor water quality. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to your main tank can also help prevent disease transmission. Keeping a close eye on their behaviour and appearance will allow for early detection of any health issues.

Q: What lighting conditions do Pygmy Corys prefer?

Pygmy Corys prefer subdued lighting as it mimics their natural habitat, which is often shaded by aquatic plants and driftwood. Bright lighting can cause stress and encourage algae growth, which can affect water quality. Using a gentle lighting system and incorporating live plants can create a more comfortable environment for them. A light cycle of 10-12 hours a day is generally ideal, providing a balance between light and dark to support plant health and fish well-being.

Q: How do I recognise stress in Pygmy Corys?

Recognising stress in Pygmy Corys is essential for their health. Signs of stress include erratic swimming, hiding excessively, or clamped fins. Additionally, they may exhibit a lack of appetite or become lethargic. Changes in colour or increased gill movement can also indicate stress. It is crucial to observe their behaviour regularly; if you notice these signs, check water parameters and consider any recent changes in the tank environment that may be causing stress.

Q: What natural habitat conditions should I replicate for Pygmy Corys?

In their natural habitat, Pygmy Corys inhabit slow-moving waters with ample vegetation and soft substrate. To replicate these conditions, create a well-planted aquarium with hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, and dense foliage. Maintain slightly acidic to neutral water and provide gentle filtration to mimic their natural environment. Regular water changes will help keep conditions optimal. Additionally, incorporating leaf litter can help replicate their habitat and provide a more natural setting.