Pygmy Corys - Do They Like Dither Fish?

[Rhea]

I have an arcadia arc tank that i was planning to use just for pygmy corys (pygmaeus). After reading several posts about them being braver the larger shoal they are in, I have now built up to a shoal of ten but they still hide at the back of the tank and only come out to feed.

I'm not sure how I'm going stocking wise, but I'm reluctant to add more corys in case it doesn't help. I was wondering whether they might do better with some tetras as dither fish - any suggestions? I love these corys, and was hoping a species tank would really suit them, but I'm regretting going for them and wondering whether I should try and swap them for something else.

The tank has a sand base, and is heavily planted with pieces of driftwood and rock giving them loads of hiding places throughout the tank.

All help appreciated

 

[mattlee]

with a group of 10 corys they should be brave and playfull,

is the tank a new set up?

are the fish new to the tank?

is the lighting very strong?

if the fish are new then give them time to get used to their new home im sure they will venture out in time as they will be very nervous and scared... also if the light is too bright i find this keeps them hidden away.

adding more new fish ie tetras etc as you asked may only intimidate the corys more until they are used to the tank.

i have a group of 20 corys in a 3ft tank with a few shrimp and snails for company and hardly ever see them as they hide all the time but this is what they will do given the chance. when they are out they are very playfull and great to watch but they will do what they want to do and are happy hiding away. the only time i get to have a real good view of them is when they spawn and they are flying all over the tank chasing each other...

 

[alan3513]

I don't have pygmaeus but have Habrosus which are a similar size. I have Lemon and Red Phantom Tetras as well as Honey Gourami's with them and they seem happiest playing out in the open at the front of the tank despite it being well planted, so getting some small Tetra, like Embers might help your fish.

 

[Lacuna]

I have an arcadia arc tank that i was planning to use just for pygmy corys (pygmaeus). After reading several posts about them being braver the larger shoal they are in, I have now built up to a shoal of ten but they still hide at the back of the tank and only come out to feed.

I'm not sure how I'm going stocking wise, but I'm reluctant to add more corys in case it doesn't help. I was wondering whether they might do better with some tetras as dither fish - any suggestions? I love these corys, and was hoping a species tank would really suit them, but I'm regretting going for them and wondering whether I should try and swap them for something else.

The tank has a sand base, and is heavily planted with pieces of driftwood and rock giving them loads of hiding places throughout the tank.

All help appreciated

I have a tank with pygmy corys and a betta and all they do is hide at the back during the day. Adding more corys didn't change their behaviour at all. They may be hiding but they also might just prefer to be active at night. It sounds like your set up is good, so I would consider adding some really small dither fish if you have the room.

Personally, I don't think I would get pygmys again, to be honest.

 

[mattlee]

i wasnt saying dont get any other type of fish just wait until they are settled and happy before you go adding strange things into their new world!

 

[Harlequins]

I have pygmys and habrosus in their own tank,the pygmys do tend to hide,but i don't have a strong light on there and when its quiet they venture out,especially the habrosus

The pygmys started breeding within a week of being in there,now i have lots of wee fry zipping around also

Give them the right conditions you may end up having a breeding tank with the pygmys but if you add other fish in there with them they will more than likely eat any eggs or fry...

 

[Rhea]

Thanks for the help, some of the corys have been in there for around six months, with the last added about a month ago. I don't think the supplied light with the arc tanks is that strong, I was originally going to have two to help the plants but have found the one is good enough.

I'll see how it is in another few weeks, then possibly add some small tetras so at least I have something to look at!

 

[Harlequins]

When my pygmys were in the main tank,they use to shoal with my ember tetras,which are of similar size,whether this would help yours...

I know what you mean though with not seeing them,i have 11 pygmys & 3 habrosus,and unless they go into spawning mode,i only see them if the lights are dim they venture out,but i'm not too worried by this whilst they're spawning