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Pygmy Corydoras

Sicuro

Corydoras pygmaeus

Conosciuto anche come: Dwarf Corydoras, Pygmy Catfish

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Descrizione

Corydoras pygmaeus, commonly known as the Pygmy Corydoras, is a diminutive and highly social species of freshwater catfish belonging to the family Callichthyidae. It is one of the smallest species within the genus Corydoras, distinguished by its slender body and characteristic schooling behavior in the mid-water column, a trait less common among other benthic Corydoras species. This species is highly valued in the aquarium trade for its peaceful nature, small size, and active schooling displays.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo
torpedo
Colorazione
The body is generally silvery-grey to light brown, with a prominent dark horizontal stripe running from the snout through the eye to the caudal peduncle. Above this stripe, there is often a lighter, iridescent band. The belly is typically whitish. Fins are hyaline (transparent) to slightly dusky.
Tipo di squame
none
Posizione della bocca
inferior
Caratteristiche distintive
Smallest Corydoras species, rarely exceeding 2.5 cm (1 inch) in standard length., Slender, torpedo-shaped body., Prominent dark lateral stripe., Often swims in the mid-water column, unlike most benthic Corydoras., Possesses two pairs of short barbels around the mouth.
Pinna dorsale
Single dorsal fin, typically with one spine and 7-8 soft rays. The spine is relatively short.
Pinna caudale
Forked caudal fin, symmetrical.
Pinna pettorale
Pectoral fins are small and rounded, with a spine that can be locked for defense.
Pinne distintive
Adipose fin present, small and located posterior to the dorsal fin.

Consigli per l'identificazione

Size

Adults rarely exceed 2.5 cm (1 inch) in standard length, making them one of the smallest Corydoras species.

Lateral Stripe

A distinct dark horizontal stripe runs along the flank from the snout to the caudal fin base.

Swimming Behavior

Unlike most Corydoras that are strictly benthic, C. pygmaeus frequently swims in the mid-water column, often in tight schools.

Body Shape

More slender and torpedo-shaped compared to the more robust, deeper-bodied forms of many other Corydoras species.

Habitat

Tipo di acqua
freshwater
Profondità
Typically found in shallow, slow-moving waters, often near the banks of rivers and tributaries.
Ambiente
Inhabits clear to blackwater streams, rivers, and flooded forest areas. Substrates are usually soft, consisting of sand, silt, or leaf litter. Dense aquatic vegetation and submerged roots provide cover.
Areale geografico
Native to South America, specifically the Madeira River basin in Brazil, and tributaries of the Rio Purus and Rio Negro. Also found in parts of Peru.

Informazioni sull'acquario

  • Livello di cura: beginner
  • Temperamento: peaceful
  • Dieta: omnivore
  • Dimensione minima della vasca: 38 liters (10 gallons) for a small school
  • Temperatura: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
  • Livello di pH: 6.0-7.5
  • Durezza: 2-15 dGH
  • Compatibilità: Excellent with other small, peaceful community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other small, non-aggressive bottom dwellers. Avoid housing with large or aggressive fish that may view them as prey or outcompete them for food.
  • Requisiti speciali: Requires a well-planted aquarium with fine substrate (sand or smooth gravel) to protect their delicate barbels. They thrive in schools of 6 or more individuals, exhibiting more natural behavior and reduced stress. Good water quality with regular partial water changes is essential. Provide plenty of hiding spots among plants, driftwood, or rocks.

Informazioni in natura

  • Stato di conservazione: least concern
  • Stagionalità: No specific seasonal patterns for availability in the wild; generally available year-round in their natural habitats.
  • Prezzo di mercato: Low to moderate, depending on region and availability.
  • Importanza commerciale: medium
  • Sapore: Not typically consumed due to their small size.
  • Consistenza: Not typically consumed due to their small size.
  • Valore nutrizionale: Not typically consumed due to their small size.

Fatti chiave

Mid-Water Schoolerbehavior

Unlike most Corydoras species that are strictly bottom-dwellers, Corydoras pygmaeus frequently swims in the mid-water column, often forming dense, active schools.

Tiny Titaninteresting

It is one of the smallest species in the genus Corydoras, rarely exceeding 2.5 cm (1 inch) in length, making it a true 'nano' fish.

Social Butterflybehavior

These fish are highly social and thrive in groups of 6 or more. Keeping them in larger schools enhances their natural schooling behavior and reduces stress.

Barbel Sensitivitybehavior

Their delicate barbels are crucial for foraging in soft substrates. Rough or sharp substrates can damage these sensory organs, impairing their ability to find food.

Informazioni di sicurezza

Sicuro
  • Livello di sicurezza: safe
  • Velenoso: No
  • Commestibilità: not recommended
  • Note sul maneggio: When handling, care should be taken to avoid the pectoral fin spines, which can become locked and potentially prick the skin. While not venomous, these spines can cause minor discomfort if handled carelessly. Avoid netting them with coarse nets, as their spines can get entangled.

Specie simili

Corydoras hastatus

Corydoras hastatus

C. hastatus has a distinct black spot on the caudal peduncle, often with a white or iridescent patch above and below it, resembling an arrowhead. C. pygmaeus has a continuous lateral stripe without this distinct caudal spot.

Corydoras habrosus

Corydoras habrosus

C. habrosus is slightly larger and has a more mottled or spotted pattern on its body, often with several broken lateral lines or rows of spots, rather than a single continuous dark stripe.

Classificazione scientifica

Regno
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Classe
Actinopterygii
Ordine
Siluriformes
Famiglia
Callichthyidae
Genere
Corydoras
Specie
pygmaeus

Esplora Pygmy Corydoras

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