Pygmy Corydoras is tropical fresh water fish known as Pygmy catfish or Corydoras Pygmaeus. This fish belongs to the subfamily of Corydoradinae, originates from tropical inland of South America. Pygmy catfish is found in Maderia River which is located in Brazil.
In aquarium trade, this fish known as Cory Catfish because of their happy and lucky nature. This fish are from the group of dwarf Corydoras which have similar size and coloration, but slightly different in their patterns. Moreover, its first scientific description was given by German biologist and physician Joachim Knaack in 1966. Pygmy Corydoras is considered one of the beautiful fish from the family of Callichthyidae.
Pygmy Corydoras Appearance
This fish is generally know for its brilliant color and unique marking patterns. Here we see the grace of God, that they have silver body with black unbroken line pattern. That black line runs in horizontal along center to the side of fish. Also have black line at the lower part of side of the body.
Pygmy Corydoras is one of the attractive fish from the family of Callichthyidae. It’s a classic beginner fish, have big black eyes and whisker that seems like a mustache. This is a tiny South American fish (schooling fish), which grows only 1 inches and in centimeter its 2.5 in length. Female fish of this specie have rounded bodies and slightly longer than male fish.
However, most Corydoras fish are known dwellers as live at the bottom of tank. While Pygmy Cory have the habit of hovering at the middle of the tank, seems like a underwater humming bird.
Pygmy Corydoras Tank Parameters
Pygmy Corydoras are good beginner fish, they are active, hardy and good for community tanks. Moreover, the ideal tank size for this 10 gallon and it is considered the best for possible size it provides.
While setting up the aquarium, for Pygmy Catfish they should be provided with the lots of plants and hardscape. These fishes prefer the planted tank on which they settle and rest. They prefer driftwood and anubias leaves for perched that helps them to have a bird eye on tank.
Temperature or pH level
Pygmy Corydoras are originate from Basil river of Brazil. The best considered pH level for water is 6.4-7.5 with the parameters of 72-82 degree fahrenhiets. The tank parameters set for Pygmy Catfish is soft to moderately hard water. This fish likes to hide amongst the root and vegetation that is along side of banks of rivers.
For maintaining water conditions, you must have to the add fresh water regularly. Use good quality filters in aquarium to keep your fish healthy and safe. As they are sensitive fish, water should not be dirty, environment must be clean and maintained.
Breeding
Though Pygmy Corydoras are easy keeping fish, but their breeding is quiet tough. It can be easy for experienced aquarist, but still requires effort. In breeding process they should be provided with proper environment and a separate tank.Which should be rich with plants, mulm and microfauna to feed fry.
This specie lays 100 eggs in single time, at a time female hold 2-4 eggs. These eggs then fertilized by males, and it takes 30 seconds. After fertilization female moved to safe place with fertilized eggs, where fish attach them to the surface before 3 days of hatching.
After hatching fry will feed with the microscopic foods such vinger eels and infusoria. They also feed with golden pearls until unless they can eat baby brine shrimps and Repashy gel food.
Feeding
Pygmy Corydoras, as they are omnivores they can eat variety of foods. Which includes insects, and plants matters. Fish feed on variety of good quality pellets and frozen foods. As they hover at the lower half of the tank, their small and down turned mouth prefer to eat sinking, tiny and soft food.
Their diet include protein and plant matters are important nutrients . They also feed on baby brine shrimps, frozen daphina and cyclops. In addition, their diet also rich with supplements like freeze dried or sinking wafers. All these food keep them healthy.
At last…
Pygmy Corydoras is a tropical freshwater fish. It’s a great choice for beginners and experienced aquarists. Their sliver color and black lines at the center of the body and at the lower side adds charm and activity to aquarium. Pygmy Cory are generally easy to care, give proper diet, clean environment and should provided with the well planted tank for their well being.
However, their breeding demands attention and experience. Though it can be achievable for them through balance, proper tank set up and environment. By understanding all these facts, it’s a graceful fish to keep in aquarium.