Edit Gastrodermus pygmaeus

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Name

Scientific name

Gastrodermus pygmaeus

Described by

Bracketed

Family

Callichthyidae

Summary

The pygmy cory, Gastrodermus pygmaeus, long known as Corydoras pygmaeus, is one of a handful of tiny Corydoras species and appears to be en…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

30mm, standard length

Tank size

Minimum length 45 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm

Water

Temperature and pH

Temperature 22–26°C, pH 6.4–7.4

Hardness

0–8dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Peaceful

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries

Not recorded

Supporting text

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Appears to be endemic to the Rio Madeira basin, Brazil.

Habitat

Small tributaries, creeks, pools and areas of flooded forest. It's often found in large numbers sheltering among marginal vegetation or tree roots.

Aquarium size

You could keep quite a large group of these in a tank measuring only 45 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm18 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~41 litres~11 US gal.

Maintenance

Prefers dim lighting. It looks superb in a heavily planted setup decorated with pieces of bogwood and twisted roots, perhaps with a layer of surface vegetation…

Water conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C72 – 79 °F pH: 6.4 to 7.4 Hardness: 2 to 15°H but preferably below 8.

Diet

Any food offered must be small enough for its tiny mouth. It will take dried foods, but these should be of a small grade or ground down before being added to t…

Behaviour and compatibility

It's very peaceful, but doesn't make an ideal community fish due to its small adult size. It's easily intimidated by larger tank mates and won't compete well f…

It's very peaceful, but doesn't make an ideal community fish due to its small adult size. It's easily intimidated by larger tank mates and won't compete well for food with them. Many fish often kept in community aquaria, such as angelfish, gouramis and larger catfish will also find it an ideal snack. Keep it alone or in a community of other tiny species, such as similarly sized characins, cyprinids or perhaps some small freshwater shrimp. It also makes an ideal dither species for Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids, as it tends to inhabit the middle levels of the tank.

It lives in groups in nature so it's best to buy at least 6, preferably 10 or more. You'll find they shoal quite tightly, have more confidence and look much more effective when maintained in good numbers. They'll also school quite happily with other small fish in the tank.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the profileFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Sexual dimorphism

Like most corys, it's easily sexed when viewed from above. Females are noticeably rounder and broader bodied than males, especially when full of eggs. They're …

Reproduction

Can be bred in a similar fashion to many other Corydoras species, although the fry require a little extra care due to their size. Set up the breeding tank (12"…

Notes

There are currently over 180 described species of Corydoras (commonly shortened to "cory"), making it one of the most speciose of all South American fish gener…

References

No references

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Tank size

Water

Temperature and pH

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries

Supporting text

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References