Cory = helmet, doras = skin. In this case it was incorrectly used to mean armour (cuirasse) instead of skin in allusion to the dual rows of plates that run along the flanks of this genus. The specific epithet is from the latin hastatus meaning spear-shaped.
Corydoras are identified by their twin rows of armour plates along the flanks and by having fewer than 10 dorsal fin rays. They are most commonly confused with the other genera in the sub-family, namely Brochis, Scleromystax and Aspidoras. The only pygmy species with the black rhombus shape at the base of the tail and without a horizontal stripe or dashes along the flanks.
The traditional ''birds eye'' view over the cory is an easy way of differentiating sexes. After feeding well and breeding condition is reached, the plumpness of the females is often more noticeable than on other larger cory species due to the overall smaller size of these fish.
Notes on ID: One of three species of pygmy cory (habrosis, hastatus and pygmeaus respectively). This species has a defined tail spot at the caudul penducle. Faint lines along the lateral line of a beige/grey colour run to the gill cover. The outer eye is usually a blackened colour making the actual eye itself look larger.
Small foods such as crushed flake and micro pellets are suggested for normal care. Daphnia or similar smaller live foods are required to bring these fish into condition.
Sandy substrate is best, the small size means that normal gravel can be a bit large for them to sift through. One species of Corydoras for which plant cover is strongly recommended.
A very lively species of cory. Best kept in shoals of at least 6 to gain the benefits of the species. Active in the mid-water a lot of the time. The fish are often too small to cause hassle to other slow swimming species.
Despite the typical spiked fins, make sure that no other fish can fit one in its mouth! Such a small fish as this Cory can become a meal all too quickly, best kept with smaller tetras such as neons, hatchetfish and pencilfish.
The spawning usually follows the typical 'T' position but has on occaision been reported to occur in mid water. A small amount of eggs of about 1mm are laid singly.
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