Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' – Tiny, Peaceful Catfish for Your Aquarium

Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' is a stunning, small freshwater catfish known for its playful nature and unique albino coloration, perfect for peaceful community tanks.

Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' – Charming Albino Catfish for Peaceful Aquariums

The Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino', commonly known as the Albino Pygmy Corydoras, is a striking and lively freshwater catfish with a delightful personality. This small species is an albino variation of the popular Corydoras Pygmaeus and is highly sought after for its playful behavior and beautiful pale-pink coloration, which is complemented by its unique red eyes. Its peaceful temperament, active nature, and suitability for community aquariums make it a great choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

Below is a comprehensive guide to caring for the Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino', covering water conditions, tank mates, feeding habits, and general care:

Key Characteristics:

• Common Name: Albino Pygmy Corydoras

• Scientific Name: Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino'

• Family: Callichthyidae

• Origin: Native to the Amazon River basin in South America

• Size: Typically 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in length

• Lifespan: 3-5 years with proper care

• Temperament: Peaceful, social, and active, ideal for community tanks

• Coloration: Pale pink to white body with red eyes, creating an eye-catching and unique appearance

• Finnage: Short fins that complement its small body, giving it an elegant and streamlined look

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 25°C) – Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' thrives in slightly warm water temperatures.

• pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 – Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal for this species.

• Hardness: 2-10 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)

• Water Movement: Slow to moderate water flow. Corydoras enjoy calm waters with gentle filtration systems.

• Filtration: A reliable filtration system is important for maintaining water quality, but the current should not be too strong.

Tip: Perform regular water changes (20-25% every 1-2 weeks) to maintain a clean environment and prevent the buildup of toxins.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 10 gallons is recommended for a small group of Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino'. These fish are social and should be kept in groups of at least 4-6 individuals.

• Aquascaping: Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' enjoys a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. Include soft substrate, like fine gravel or sand, so they can comfortably forage without injury to their delicate barbels.

• Substrate: Fine sand or small, smooth gravel is ideal for this species. Avoid large or sharp substrate particles, as they can damage the fish’s sensitive barbels.

• Lighting: Moderate lighting works well. Corydoras do not require intense lighting but will appreciate low to medium levels of lighting that mimic their natural environment.

Tip: Adding live plants, driftwood, and rocks will not only improve the aesthetic of your aquarium but also provide plenty of hiding spots and areas for foraging.

Tank Mates:

• Compatibility: Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' is an extremely peaceful species that does well in community aquariums with other non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include:

  • Small, peaceful species like Tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras)

  • Peaceful livebearers like Guppies, Platys, or Endlers

  • Other small catfish species like Otocinclus or Corydoras species

  • Snails (e.g., Nerite Snails or Mystery Snails)

  • Peaceful shrimp like Cherry Shrimp or Amano Shrimp

• Avoid: Do not house Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' with aggressive species, larger fish that may eat them, or fin-nipping species. It's also important to avoid housing them with other bottom-dwelling species that may compete for space.

Tip: Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' is very social and will thrive in groups. Always keep at least 4-6 individuals to prevent stress and encourage natural behavior.

Feeding Habits:

• Diet: Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' is an omnivore and scavenger. They feed primarily at the bottom of the aquarium, foraging for food. Recommended foods include:

  • High-quality sinking pellets specifically designed for bottom dwellers

  • Live or frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp

  • Vegetable matter such as blanched spinach, zucchini, or peas

  • Occasional treats like freeze-dried tubifex worms

• Feeding Frequency: Feed Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' 1-2 times a day, offering small portions of food that they can consume in a few minutes. It's important not to overfeed, as uneaten food can affect water quality.

Tip: Because they are bottom-feeders, ensure that food sinks to the substrate, where they can easily access it. A varied diet will keep your Corydoras healthy and active.

Care and Maintenance:

• General Care: Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' is a hardy and low-maintenance species but does best with stable water conditions and regular maintenance. Ensure that the water quality is consistently high, and the temperature is stable. They do not tolerate significant fluctuations in water quality, so it’s important to monitor parameters regularly.

• Health Issues: This species is generally healthy but can be prone to common freshwater diseases, such as Ich, fin rot, or skin infections. Inspect your Corydoras regularly for signs of illness, such as lethargy, faded coloration, or unusual swimming behavior. Quarantining new fish before introducing them to your tank can prevent the spread of diseases.

• Breeding: Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' can be bred in captivity, though they require specific conditions. To encourage breeding, provide a separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water and ensure proper nutrition. During the breeding process, the female lays eggs on surfaces such as plants or decorations, and the male fertilizes them. Once hatched, the fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.

Tip: Providing a clean environment and high-quality food will increase the chances of successful breeding.

Final Thoughts:

The Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' is a beautiful and peaceful addition to any freshwater aquarium. Its small size, charming personality, and striking appearance make it perfect for a community tank. With proper water conditions, a balanced diet, and compatible tank mates, you can enjoy the playful antics of these delightful catfish for years to come. Whether you're new to fishkeeping or a seasoned aquarist, the Corydoras Pygmaeus 'Albino' is a wonderful choice for any aquarium setup.