Dwarf Cory (Corydoras habrosus)

Family: Callichthyidae

Dwarf Cory — a Callichthyidae from South America, peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Reaches 1.5–2.2 cm; singly or in small groups depending on species size. 21–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
21–25 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
6.6–20.4 dGH
Adult length
1.5–2.2 cm
Minimum tank
25 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life
Origin
South America

Species overview

Corydoras habrosus, a member of the family Callichthyidae, comes from South America, where it inhabits slow streams over sand. Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life and opportunistic bottom-feeder with a broad palate, it grows to 1.5–2.2 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 21–25 °C range. Other Corydoras species in our database include Corydoras aeneus, Corydoras paleatus, Corydoras panda.

Native biotope

Habitat
Slow streams over sand
Flow
Gentle
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Driftwood and broad-leaf shade
Plants
Hardy low-light species

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Singly or in small groups depending on species size
Diet
Opportunistic bottom-feeder with a broad palate
Recommended tankmates
  • Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore
Avoid keeping with
  • Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females rounder
Breeding method
Egg-depositing in hollows; some guard, some abandon

Frequently asked questions

Is Dwarf Cory easy to keep?

Difficulty: moderate. Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Singly or in small groups depending on species size.

What temperature and water chemistry does Dwarf Cory need?

Set the heater to 21–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 6.6–20.4 dGH suit it.

How big does Dwarf Cory get, and what tank size?

Expect 1.5–2.2 cm as an adult, living bottom-dwelling. A 25 L tank or larger gives it room.

What does Dwarf Cory eat?

Opportunistic bottom-feeder with a broad palate. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.

Can Dwarf Cory live with other fish?

Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life; singly or in small groups depending on species size. Good company: Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore. Keep away from Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom.

Where does Dwarf Cory come from?

Native to South America, where it lives in slow streams over sand. Gentle; Moderate.

How does Dwarf Cory breed?

In the aquarium: egg-depositing in hollows; some guard, some abandon. Females rounder.