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Albino Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Also known as Albino Pygmy Cory, Albino Pygmaeus, Albino Pygmy Cory Catfish, Corydoras pygmaeus Albino
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Siluriformes›Callichthyidae
Variety of Pygmy Corydoras · albino
An albino form of the pygmy corydoras, with a translucent pinkish-white body and pink-red eyes. Tank-bred and identical in care to the standard form: a tiny catfish that shoals in the midwater as much as it forages the bottom, and wants a group of eight or more over soft sand.
Where it's from
Native to the Amazon river basin
Brazil
The range of its wild species, Corydoras pygmaeus.
At a glance
- Size
- 1 in
- 3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal
- 38 L
- Group
- 8+
- Temp
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- GH
- 36–268 ppm
- 2–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3–5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Care
Diet
Pygmy corydoras are omnivores requiring a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, frozen daphnia, and micro worms. Feed small amounts once daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom where they forage. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables like zucchini to maintain digestive health.
Behavior
These tiny catfish are unusual among corydoras for spending significant time in the midwater column rather than exclusively on the bottom, though they still forage along the substrate. They are highly social and form tight, cohesive shoals that display coordinated swimming patterns, making them stunning in groups of 10 or more. They are peaceful, non-aggressive, and most active during dawn and dusk.
Breeding
Breeding pygmy corydoras in captivity is possible but challenging and rarely occurs in home aquariums. They require pristine water conditions, cooler temperatures (around 22°C), and plenty of fine-leaved plants for egg-laying sites. Success is unpredictable and requires patience, experience, and ideal conditions.
Tank mates
See all 6Similar size, peaceful temperament, and identical water parameter requirements make them ideal companions
Small, gentle schooling fish that thrive in the same warm, slightly acidic conditions
Peaceful invertebrates that occupy different ecological niches and won't compete for food
Low-growing plant provides shelter and natural foraging substrate for pygmy corydoras
Similar size and peaceful nature; both are bottom-dwellers but occupy different feeding niches
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Common diseases 4Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), Fin Rot, Bacterial Infection, Parasitic Infection
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces
Raise temperature gradually to 28°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; treat for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, maintain pristine conditions, use antibacterial medication if severe; remove any sharp tank décor
Bacterial Infection
Cloudy eyes, sores on body, loss of appetite, erratic swimming
Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain excellent water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment; isolate if possible to prevent spread
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites, clamped fins
Use anti-parasitic medication as directed, perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish; improve tank conditions to prevent recurrence
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and change over time; check with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping or shipping it.
The care information here is written with AI help, so it can contain mistakes. Spot one? Tell us and we'll fix it. Native range: Tedesco et al. 2017 (CC0).
At a glance
- Size
- 1 in3 cm
- Min tank
- 10 gal38 L
- Group
- 8+
- Temp
- 72–79°F22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- GH
- 36–268 ppm2–15 dGH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swims
- Bottom
- Lifespan
- 3–5 yrs
Ammonia 0 ppm and nitrate under 20 ppm.
Keepers’ experiences
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