Another Pygmy Cory Problem

I've just found my last three Pygmy Corys dead. (Water parameters all fine and all the other fish seem to be perfectly healthy)

TBH I was expecting it after having three die in the space of a fortnight about two weeks ago, although they'd all seemed perfectly happy for three months.

I'm disappointed as they were fantastic little fish but I'm really not sure whether or not to try again with this species or give up and find a different fish to keep in their place.

I had planned on getting 12 in total once I've installed my external filter.

The thing is, I think a few people here have had difficulty with this particular species, so I'm wondering if the breed is becoming inherently weak through over-breeding.
Or perhaps we've been unlucky and they can be kept successfully if you get a good batch.

Thanks for the thread title idea fcmf

I'm not  sure what I'd go for instead. TBH I'm having a hard time thinking of dropping the breed altogether as they offer a lot to a community tank, and I did take care choosing a subsrrate that suits them.

Someone on my local Facebook group has a load, that won't stop breeding apparently, so I might discuss taking some off his hands ...

Sorry to hear that. How are the Stiphodons doing? Mine is a little territorial now he's settled in the tank. My Pseudomugil aren't allowed near any algae wafers I drop in the tank. He can't stop my Devil Snail though!!

Well the Stiphodons are still in their QT tank - they have eaten wafer but they're not voracious eaters yet

The first week they spent most of the time hiding away underneath the half-pot and rocks in the corner.

This week, since Saturday, they have all been spending more time swimming around, up the sides of the tank and so on and so I've managed to get a far better look at them.

Although, as they're not in a lit tank so I still can't be sure, one is far darker than the others who are both very pale. I'm hoping this means I have a male and two females.

I'll move them into the main tank one of the days this coming weekend. Looking forward to it.

Good grief - I thought I was reading my own thread as your story is so similar to mine was, so I empathise entirely.

Re Sue's point, I noticed pygmy cories in a couple of shops lately and there was quite a difference in terms of colouring and activity levels, so definitely worth considering, or taking some from the local FB user.  If you do go down that route, though, then I'd go for a minimum of 12 - it would be really interesting to see if increased numbers make a difference at all. 

One of my numerous theories and reflections on the pygmy cories situation was whether a slightly bigger cory, similar sized to the other fish, might do better - would panda cories be of interest to you as an alternative option?

Agree that there is something about their stature - and behaviour/activity - that is particularly appealing. At the weekend, I found some lovely video footage of mine from Feb - all together and it was very endearing to watch.

I agree - great site to find and swap ideas with a small, friendly community.