Product Details

Pygmy Cory Albino – Gastrodermus pygmaeus var.

The Pygmy Cory Albino is a tiny, peaceful cory-type catfish and a captive-bred albino form of the popular Pygmy Cory. Also sold as the Albino Pygmy Cory, Albino Pygmy Corydoras, Pygmy Cory or under the older name Corydoras pygmaeus, this miniature species is best suited to mature planted aquariums with soft sand, gentle tank mates and stable water quality. It is active, social and charming in groups, but its small size means it should not be kept with large or boisterous fish.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Pygmy Cory Albino
Other Names: Albino Pygmy Cory, Albino Pygmy Corydoras, Pygmy Cory, Pygmy Corydoras
Scientific Name: Gastrodermus pygmaeus var.
Older / Trade Name: Corydoras pygmaeus
Strain / Form: Captive-bred albino ornamental form
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Gastrodermus pygmaeus is a South American cory-type catfish associated with the Madeira River basin. Wild-type fish occur in shallow, quiet to gently flowing waters with plant cover, soft substrate, submerged vegetation and areas suitable for small shoaling fish.

The albino form is captive-bred rather than a wild locality form. Its care should still be based on the needs of the wild species: a mature aquarium, fine sand, clean water, plenty of plants and calm surroundings. Dense planting, moss, shaded areas and open sandy patches all help the group feel secure.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Albino Pygmy Corys have the same tiny, streamlined body shape as the standard Pygmy Cory, but with reduced dark pigment. They usually show a pale cream, pinkish-white or lightly golden body with reddish or pink eyes.

Adults usually reach around 2–3 cm, making them one of the smallest cory-type catfish available. Females are generally slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males when mature, while males are slimmer and more delicate-looking.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is well suited to mature nano aquariums, planted community tanks and peaceful species displays. Unlike many larger corys, Pygmy Corys often spend time in the lower to middle water column as well as resting and foraging near the substrate.

They are not algae eaters and should not be bought as cleaning fish. They need proper small sinking and slow-sinking foods, soft substrate and tank mates that will not intimidate or outcompete them. They are not suitable for rough communities or newly set-up aquariums.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 40–60 litres for a group, with larger aquariums preferred for mixed communities and better water stability.

Keep in a group of at least 8, with 10 or more preferred where space allows. A larger group helps them feel secure, encourages natural shoaling behaviour and makes them more visible in the aquarium.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Clean, stable and well-oxygenated water is important. Fine sand or smooth substrate is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural foraging. Avoid sharp gravel, dirty substrate, poor oxygenation, strong current and unstable new aquariums.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Pygmy Cory Albinos are very peaceful and best kept with other small, calm species. Suitable tank mates include tiny rasboras, small tetras, ricefish, small pencilfish, gentle shrimp, Otocinclus and other peaceful nano fish that enjoy similar conditions.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, boisterous barbs, fin-nippers and very fast-feeding fish. Even peaceful larger fish may intimidate them or outcompete them at feeding time. They should not be kept singly or in pairs.

Feeding:

Pygmy Cory Albinos are omnivorous micro-foragers. Offer fine sinking catfish foods, micro pellets, soft sinking granules and powdered or crushed foods as the staple diet.

Supplement with small frozen or live foods such as cyclops, daphnia, baby brineshrimp, microworms and finely chopped bloodworm. Their mouths are very small, so food must be appropriately sized. Make sure food reaches both the lower levels and open areas where the group is feeding.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This is a social, active mini cory that behaves differently from many larger bottom-dwelling corys. Pygmy Corys often shoal in the lower and middle levels of the aquarium, resting on plant leaves, wood, sand or open areas between short bursts of swimming.

Like other cory-type catfish, they may occasionally dart to the surface to take a gulp of air. This is normal behaviour, but frequent frantic surface visits can indicate poor oxygenation or water quality issues. Breeding may occur in mature planted aquariums, with eggs attached to plants, glass or décor.

Care Notes:

Add Pygmy Cory Albinos only to a mature, stable aquarium with peaceful tank mates. Provide soft sand, plants, shaded areas and gentle filtration.

Their small size makes them sensitive to poor water quality, heavy competition and rough handling. Keep them in a proper group and feed fine foods regularly rather than relying on leftovers. Avoid sharp substrate, aggressive tank mates and large fish that may see them as food. The albino form may appear paler under bright lighting, so plant cover and shaded areas are useful.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Captive-bred albino ornamental form

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, body tone, eye colour and markings can occur between individual fish.