Corydoras nanus is a small tropical freshwater fish that belongs to the Corydoradinae subfamily within the Callichthyidae family.
It’s native to inland waters in South America and can be found in the Suriname and Maroni River basins in Suriname, as well as the Iracoubo River basin in French Guiana.
This fish is typically found in creeks with moderate currents, measuring 0.5 to 3 meters wide and 20 to 50 cm deep, with sandy or muddy bottoms and not too much light.
Corydoras nanus’s diet consists of worms, small bottom-dwelling crustaceans, insects, and plant matter.
The common name “Little Corydoras” comes from its small size, while its scientific name means “helmet skin dwarf.”
If kept as a pet, this fish is relatively easy to care for due to its peaceful temperament.
The aquarium should be well-planted with many hiding places, and round gravel or smooth sand should be used to prevent damage to the fish’s barbels.
A group of at least six fish is ideal for a community. Corydoras nanus is commercially important in the aquarium trade industry.
However, it is a rare species, with only about ten specimens collected so far.
These specimens were found in similar creek environments as described earlier.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Corydoras nanus Interesting Facts
- Corydoras nanus is a freshwater fish found in the Suriname and French Guiana rivers.
- They can grow up to 1.8 in (4.5 cm) in length and prefer water temperatures between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
- These fish are also known as “Little Corydoras” and are peaceful pets that enjoy a community of at least six fish.
- Though rare, they are commercially important in the aquarium trade industry.
Corydoras nanus Habitat
Corydoras nanus is native to South America, specifically the Suriname and Maroni River basins in Suriname, as well as the Iracoubo River basin in French Guiana.
It’s a freshwater fish that lives near the bottom (demersal) of its environment.
This fish prefers water with a pH range between 6.0 and 8.0, a hardness range of 2 to 25 dGH, and a temperature range of 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
It’s typically found at depths up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) and thrives in tropical climates.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 2 to 25 dGH |
Corydoras nanus Physical Characteristics
Size: 1.8 inches (4.5 centimeters)
The maximum length of Corydoras nanus is 4.5 cm (about 1.8 inches) when measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.
Corydoras nanus is usually silver with black horizontal stripes from head to tail.
Sometimes, they may have amber or purple highlights in their coloring or a gray belly.
Corydoras nanus Reproduction
Corydoras nanus reproduces by laying eggs in dense vegetation, but adult fish do not protect or guard the eggs.
In captivity, eggs are often laid on plant leaves, and a female can produce up to 600 eggs.
Corydoras nanus Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Genus: | Corydoras |
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras nanus |