Albino Pygmy Corydora

About the Albino Pygmy Corydoras

The Albino Pygmy Corydoras is a rare and highly sought-after colour variety of the Pygmy Corydoras, prized for its creamy white to pale pink body, striking red eyes, and tiny size. Unlike most Corydoras species, Pygmy Corydoras spend much of their time swimming in the mid-water column as well as foraging along the substrate, creating a fascinating and active display in planted aquariums.

Growing to only around 2.5–3 cm, the Albino Pygmy Corydoras is an ideal choice for nano aquariums, aquascapes, and peaceful community tanks. Their calm, social nature means they thrive in large groups, where they exhibit natural shoaling behaviour and confidently explore every level of the aquarium.

They prefer mature aquariums with soft sand, dense planting, driftwood, leaf litter, and gentle water flow. Like all Corydoras, they appreciate excellent water quality and regular maintenance. A varied diet of quality sinking micro pellets, Corydoras wafers, frozen bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, microworms, and other small foods will keep them healthy and active.

Tiny, peaceful, and endlessly entertaining, the Albino Pygmy Corydoras is one of the best bottom-dwelling fish for nano aquariums and planted freshwater displays.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Corydoras pygmaeus "Albino"

Common Name

Albino Pygmy Corydoras

Origin

Captive-bred variety of a species native to the Amazon Basin, South America

Adult Size

2.5–3 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

40 Litres

Temperature

22–27°C

pH

6.0–7.5

Water Hardness

2–12 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

3–5 Years

Suitable For

Nano aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp aquariums, and peaceful community aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Albino Pygmy Corydoras should I keep?

Albino Pygmy Corydoras are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 8–10. Larger schools display more natural behaviour and are far more confident.

Do Albino Pygmy Corydoras stay on the bottom?

Unlike most Corydoras, they frequently swim together in the middle of the aquarium as well as forage across the substrate, making them one of the most active Corydoras species.

What do Albino Pygmy Corydoras eat?

They thrive on quality sinking micro pellets, Corydoras wafers, baby brine shrimp, microworms, daphnia, frozen bloodworms, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Albino Pygmy Corydoras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are one of the best fish for shrimp aquariums and are completely peaceful with adult Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp. Very small shrimplets are generally ignored.

Do Albino Pygmy Corydoras need sand?

Yes. Fine sand is strongly recommended as it allows them to sift naturally through the substrate without damaging their sensitive barbels.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Albino Pygmy Corydoras become shy and inactive when kept in groups smaller than eight.

Using coarse gravel

Sharp gravel can wear down or damage their delicate barbels. Fine sand is the preferred substrate.

Assuming they only eat leftovers

They should be fed quality sinking foods directly, rather than relying on uneaten food from other fish.

Poor water quality

Regular water changes and stable water conditions are essential for long-term health.

Keeping them with large aggressive fish

Choose peaceful nano and community species that won't outcompete or intimidate these tiny catfish.