How long do Pygmy Corydoras live?
Pygmy Corydoras live about 3-5 years with good care. Stable nano-tank water is the main factor in reaching that span.
What do Pygmy Corydoras eat?
Feed tiny sinking pellets, crushed wafers, and live/frozen baby brine shrimp and daphnia. Overfeeding and oversized food they cannot eat are the usual mistakes; keep portions microscopic.
Tank size and water parameters
A 10-gallon (38 L) tank can hold a group of 10-12. Target 72-79°F (22-26°C), pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderate water, zero ammonia and nitrite, nitrate under 15 ppm. Keep in groups of 10+; fine sand or smooth substrate suits them.
Common mistakes with Pygmy Corydoras
Key errors: too small a group (they need 10+); a new or swinging nano tank where small volumes spike fast; and large or boisterous tank mates that eat or outcompete them.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Keeping too few — pygmies need a group of 10+ to thrive.
- Unstable nano water — small volumes demand frequent partial changes.
- Big tank mates — they are micro-food to larger fish.
- Oversized food — use tiny, varied portions.