Pygmy Cories

[MermaidMel]

Are pygmy cories absolutely meant to have a sand substrate or can they cope with gravel?
Reason I ask is because their barbels are so tiny, a piece of smooth mini gravel is bigger than their mouths anyway so I am wondering how it can damage their barbels, if at all?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi MermaidMel

Pygmy corys are like any other kind of cory in that they spend a considerable amount of time on the bottom of the tank. Their barbels are sensory organs that they use to explore the surfaces of the substrate, to find their food. If the substrate is rough or sharp, they could become eroded over time.

Another reason to avoid pebbles or larger gravel is because bits of uneaten food can filter down between them and rot. This provides a food supply for potentially harmful bacteria. Since corydoras spend long periods of time at the bottom, they are particularly prone to becoming ill as a result of these conditions.

 

[Buddyboy67]

I have kept several pygmies on both substrates and found a sand area on the base to be prefered by them...even a small portion of this substrate will do, however , pygmies can be prone to spend a lot of time up in foliage, rather than on substrate, compared to their larger relatives.....