{"product_id":"pygmy-corydoras-gastrodermus-pygmaeus","title":"Pygmy corydoras (Gastrodermus Pygmaeus)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e*Note: Images are used as an example only. Due to the nature of live animals, colouration, size and patterns may vary.*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePygmy Corydoras\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eGastrodermus pygmaeus\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(Also known as the Pygmy Cory or Pygmy Catfish.)\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Pygmy Corydoras is a tiny, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish known for its compact size, silver-grey body, dark horizontal stripe, and playful shoaling behaviour. Unlike many Corydoras species, Pygmy Corydoras frequently spend time swimming in the midwater as well as foraging along the substrate. Their small size and peaceful nature make them an excellent choice for planted nano and community aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtremely small Corydoras species ideal for nano aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinct dark horizontal stripe running along the body\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful and highly social shoaling behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequently swims in the midwater as well as along the bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent choice for planted and peaceful community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level: Easy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHardy and adaptable when kept in stable, clean water. Best results are achieved when kept in groups and provided with a mature aquarium and suitable substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnvironment Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best results in 40+ litres; can be kept in smaller aquariums when appropriately stocked and maintained\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ideally 22–26°C; tolerates approximately 20–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e pH 6.0–7.5 preferred; stable conditions are more important than exact values\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderately hard water\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Flow:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gentle to moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine sand or smooth substrate, plants, driftwood, and sheltered areas provide ideal conditions; leave open areas for swimming and foraging\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrimary Diet:\u003c\/strong\u003e High-quality sinking nano pellets, micro wafers, and appropriately sized catfish foods\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety:\u003c\/strong\u003e Frozen or live foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworms provide valuable variety\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlexible Options:\u003c\/strong\u003e Will forage for small foods throughout the aquarium, particularly in mature planted setups\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding Frequency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Small meals once or twice per day, ensuring food reaches the bottom and is available to the entire group\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful nano fish such as small rasboras, tetras, Pseudomugil species, and other peaceful Corydoras, as well as suitable freshwater shrimp\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Large, aggressive, or highly predatory species that may eat or intimidate them\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very peaceful and social; best kept as a group\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize and Lifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 2.5–3 cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypical Lifespan:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3–5 years with consistent care\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour and Activity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePygmy Corydoras are active, social fish that display fascinating shoaling behaviour. They regularly move together around the aquarium and may spend considerable time swimming through the midwater rather than remaining exclusively on the substrate. They also enjoy resting on leaves, hardscape, and the substrate before suddenly becoming active again as a group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Considerations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKeeping Pygmy Corydoras in a group is essential for their confidence and natural behaviour. A group of at least six is recommended, with larger groups often displaying more natural and interesting shoaling behaviour. Fine sand or smooth substrate is preferred to help protect their sensitive barbels. Because of their small size, ensure all tank mates are peaceful and that food is appropriately sized.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNano and planted aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful community setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquarists seeking an active, social bottom-dwelling species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeginners looking for a hardy and peaceful nano fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquariums where midwater and bottom activity are both desired\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAdditional Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePygmy Corydoras are one of the smallest and most versatile Corydoras available. Their combination of tiny size, peaceful temperament, and unusual midwater shoaling behaviour makes them particularly appealing for planted community aquariums. Keeping them in a suitably sized group, providing a soft or smooth substrate, and offering a varied diet will encourage natural behaviour and help maintain excellent health.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"3 Little Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48372990771458,"sku":null,"price":16.25,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0729\/8413\/3890\/files\/bubble-pygmy-corydoras.png?v=1787565425","url":"https:\/\/3little.fish\/products\/pygmy-corydoras-gastrodermus-pygmaeus","provider":"3 Little Fish","version":"1.0","type":"link"}