Tail Spot Pygmy Cory

Tail Spot Pygmy Cory (Corydoras Hastatus)

The Tail Spot Pygmy Cory, also known as the Diamond Tail Cory, Dwarf Cory, and Micro Catfish. They are a charming and petite species that is native to South America. This species is known for its translucent white to olive-colored body, adorned with a thin dark stripe that runs along the sides from behind the gill cover to the root of the tail. A distinctive feature of this species is a white crescent at the base of the tail surrounding a black spot, giving it its "Tail Spot" name. The Tail Spot Pygmy Cory is one of the smallest Corydoras species, typically reaching an adult size of just 1 inch, although they can grow up to 1.4 inches in some cases.

The Tail Spot Pygmy Cory is a peaceful, small catfish that is ideally suited to smaller aquariums. Due to their small size, they may not be suitable for general community aquariums as larger tankmates can intimidate or prey upon them. They are perfect for mature, densely planted nano tanks. It is a good community tank fish when kept with peaceful tankmates such as small tetras, rasboras, and danios, but they should not be kept with overly aggressive tankmates.

In terms of diet, the Tail Spot Pygmy Cory is omnivorous and easy to feed. They will eat most food that sinks to the bottom of the tank, including sinking pellets, flake food, and other sinking foods like catfish pellets. They also have a carnivorous side, enjoying foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will forage both in midwater or on a substrate, whether that substrate is a plant leaf, a broad rock, or the bottom of the tank.

For their habitat, the Tail Spot Pygmy Cory thrives in well-oxygenated water with moderate flow. They prefer tanks that mimic their natural habitat, which includes riverbeds with a soft sandy substrate where they can forage for food and occasionally burrow. A sandy substrate is preferable to prevent damaging their tiny delicate barbels and underbelly which could lead to infection and other health complications. The tank should be furnished with plenty of hiding spots using driftwood, rocks, caves, and live plants that provide relief from the light. Floating plants are a good option to provide them with additional subdued lighting.

Regarding their water parameter and aquarium size, the minimum recommended aquarium size is 20 gallons for a school of 5 Tail Spot Pygmy Corys. A community aquarium should be at least 30 gallons plus 1 gallon for every extra 1 inch of fish. The ideal pH range is between 5.5-7.5, and the hardness should be within 2-12 dGH. The temperature should be maintained between 72-79°F (22-26°C).

If you're considering stocking a 30-gallon aquarium, one idea is to have a school of 5 Tail Spot Pygmy Corys occupying the bottom area, a school of 6 small tetras swimming in the middle layer, and a pair of Honey Gouramis as the centerpiece fish.

As with all tropical fish, Tail Spot Pygmy Corys need consistent water parameters. Sudden or inconsistent swings in pH, temperature, and dGH readings can result in stress and health issues.