Dwarf armored catfish - Corydoras pygmeus

The gregarious dwarf armored catfish Corydoras pygmaeus from South America stands out with a silver-gray body with two black longitudinal bands and a marble pattern on the back.

Corydoras pygmaeus grows only 2-3 cm and likes to live in larger groups. It lives - unlike most other armored catfishes of the genus Corydoras - not exclusively on the bottom, but rather stays in the middle water zones. Corydoras pygmaeus is a gut breather and for this reason absolutely needs free access to the water surface.

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The females grow a little bigger and are a little more plump than the males. Breeding is possible in the aquarium: the female attaches individual eggs to surfaces after mating, and the larvae hatch after a few days. The larvae can also be left in the species aquarium with the parents, the adult dwarf armored catfish do not prey on the young. The larvae are raised with Artemia nauplii. There should be some mulm at the bottom of the aquarium where the fish larvae can find microorganisms.

This armored catfish lives up to 8 years and prefers soft or medium hard water, the total hardness should not exceed 15, the pH should be between 6 and 7.5. Water temperatures of 23 to 26 degrees have proven to be suitable.

Also in nature Corydoras pygmaeus often swims in a shoal with other fish species and therefore fits well in a community tank with peaceful fish. With shrimps the socialization also works very well.

The small dwarf catfish likes to eat food of animal origin: frozen food, live food or special food for armored catfish, but also food flakes or food granules. Although it prefers meaty food, it does not actively hunt for baby shrimp, however, it cannot be completely ruled out that a curious and careless baby shrimp may end up as food if it walks right into the fish's little mouth, so to speak.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.