Dwarf Corydoras

The dwarf corydoras lives in a (sub)tropical climate in water with a 6.0–8.0 pH, a water hardness of 5–19 dGH, and a temperature range of 68–82 F (20–28 °C). It is found in ponds. It feeds on worms, benthic crustaceans, insects, and plant matter. They are found in the Paraguay River and Amazon River basins. C. hastatus lives among plants. It is a schooling species. It differs from most Corydoras species by preferring the midwater areas instead of the bottom, spending most of its time well off the bottom in areas of dense plants. When it rests, it rests on the leaves of the plants. Other Corydoras species with similar mid-water habits include C. habrosus and C. pygmaeus. The dwarf Corydoras maintains its position in a current by using rapid fin movements, especially with its pectoral fins. These rapid movements, combined with a high breathing rate, give the fish the appearance of being very "nervous" when compared with other fish. C. hastatus may even shoal with small characins. The fish lays its eggs in dense vegetation and the adults do not guard the eggs. The female holds a single egg between her pelvic fins, where the male fertilizes them for about 30 seconds. Only then does the female swim to a suitable spot, where she attaches the sticky egg. …