dwarf corydoras (Corydoras hastatus)

Family: Callichthyidae

dwarf corydoras — a Callichthyidae from South America, peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Reaches 4.9–7.3 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
2–25 dGH
Adult length
4.9–7.3 cm
Minimum tank
64 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life
Origin
South America

Species overview

A Callichthyidae species native to South America: Corydoras hastatus lives bottom-dwelling over sand. Peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life. Adults reach 4.9–7.3 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Corydoras species we profile, alongside 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 corydoras easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful giant of the bottom, indifferent to mid-water life; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does dwarf corydoras need?

Set the heater to 21–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 2–25 dGH suit it.

How big does dwarf corydoras get, and what tank size?

Full size is 4.9–7.3 cm. Minimum tank: 64 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.

What does dwarf corydoras eat?

Opportunistic bottom-feeder with a broad palate. It forages naturally over fine sand, so let some food reach the bottom.

Can dwarf corydoras 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 corydoras come from?

Comes from South America: slow streams over sand. Expect gentle and moderate.

How does dwarf corydoras breed?

Egg-depositing in hollows; some guard, some abandon. Females rounder.