The Corydoras hastatus, also known as the Dwarf Corydoras, is a small, peaceful catfish popular among aquarists for its active behavior and suitability for community tanks. Here's more about their care and characteristics:

Diet and Feeding

• Foraging Omnivores: Corydoras hastatus are foraging omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of foods and are constantly foraging for food on the bottom of the tank.
• Food Preferences: They readily accept a range of sinking dried foods, such as pellets and wafers specifically formulated for bottom dwellers.
• Live and Frozen Foods: They also enjoy small live and frozen foods, including:
  • Chironomid Larvae (Bloodworms): A great protein source that helps in color enhancement and overall health.
  • Tubifex: Nutrient-rich, but it should be fed sparingly and sourced from clean environments to avoid the risk of parasites.
  • Daphnia, Brine Shrimp, and Micro Worms: Ideal for variety and providing essential nutrients.

Temperament and Social Behavior

• Peaceful Nature: Corydoras hastatus are peaceful fish that are non-aggressive, making them excellent tank mates for a wide variety of small, non-aggressive community fish.
• Gregarious and Social: These fish are highly social and thrive when kept in groups. It's recommended to maintain them in a group of at least 4-6 individuals, but ideally 10 or more. Larger groups help them feel more secure and encourage natural behaviors, reducing stress and improving overall health.
• Behavior in Groups: In a group, Corydoras hastatus will exhibit schooling behavior, often swimming together in mid-water or along the tank bottom. This social structure provides them with a sense of safety and encourages more active and natural behaviors.

Tank Setup and Environment

• Tank Size: A small group of Corydoras hastatus can be kept in tanks as small as 10 gallons (38 liters), but larger groups will benefit from a more spacious environment.
• Substrate: A soft substrate such as fine sand is ideal, as it prevents damage to their delicate barbels while they forage for food.
• Aquascaping: The tank should include plenty of hiding places with plants, driftwood, and rocks, mimicking their natural environment. Dense vegetation or floating plants can provide cover and reduce stress.
• Water Conditions:
  • Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C).
  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0-7.5.
  • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2-12 dGH) is preferred.

Corydoras hastatus are an excellent choice for community aquariums, especially for those looking to add a small, peaceful, and active species to their tank. They are easy to care for and bring a lot of life to the bottom of the aquarium.