Pygmy Catfish — a Callichthyidae from 南美洲, 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
南美洲
Species overview
From the waters of 南美洲 comes Corydoras pygmaeus, a member of the family Callichthyidae. A whiskered bottom resident whose day begins when the lights go off. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 4.9–7.3 cm. Singly or in small groups depending on species size. Feed sinking foods after lights-out, keep the sand soft, and never let nitrate climb unnoticed. Maintain 21–25 °C at pH 6–8. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
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