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FisheasyFreshwater

Albino Pygmy Corydoras

Corydoras pygmaeus

Also known as Albino Pygmy Cory, Albino Pygmaeus, Albino Pygmy Cory Catfish, Corydoras pygmaeus Albino

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiSiluriformesCallichthyidae

Variety of Pygmy Corydoras · albino

📍 South America

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.

Size1"
Min Tank10g
School8+
peaceful
Zonebottom

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Care Guide

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.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against surfaces

Treatment

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

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, maintain pristine conditions, use antibacterial medication if severe; remove any sharp tank décor

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes, sores on body, loss of appetite, erratic swimming

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, maintain excellent water quality, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment; isolate if possible to prevent spread

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, weight loss, visible parasites, clamped fins

Treatment

Use anti-parasitic medication as directed, perform frequent water changes, quarantine affected fish; improve tank conditions to prevent recurrence

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Quick Facts

diet
Omnivore – micro pellets, daphnia, micro worms, sinking wafers
lifespan
3–5 years
max size
3.2 cm (1.3 in)
tank size
10 gallons minimum
school size
10+
temperament
Peaceful, schooling

Water it likes

ph
6.0–7.5
ammonia
0 ppm
nitrate
<20 ppm
hardness
2–15 dGH
temperature
72–79°F (22–26°C)

Legality

No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.

Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.

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Kept by0 hobbyists