CORYDORADINAE SUB-FAMILY
The Corydoradinae sub-family consists of, among others, the genera
Aspidoras, Brochis,
and
Corydoras.
Emerald Catfish, Short-bodied Catfish, Green Brochis, Emerald Brochis, Emerald Cory, Common Brochis [Pictures]
Brochis splendens SYN:
Brochis
coeruleus, B. dipterus, Callichthys splendens PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs of barbels are
located on the upper jaw. The upper part of the lower plates are the same color as the upper plates, while the
lower half is white. The upper row of plates have a metallic green to blue color, depending on the light. The fins
are the tan to bronze in color. This fish is sometimes confused with
C. aeneus but the differences are
apparent when placed beside one another.
B. splendens has a more pointed
head, a greener color, and is deeper in body. SIZE: To 4" (10 cm), although usually not larger than 2.8" (7 cm) SS: Long-finned Brochis (
Brochis britskii ), Giant Brochis
(Brochis multiradiatus
),
Bronze Catfish (
Corydorasaeneus
), Golden-eared Cory (
Corydoras eques ) H: Along banks of slow-moving rivers with dense vegetation. South America;
the Western Amazon Basin. A: bottom TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L).
Use fine gravel bottom, as this
fish burrows.
The tank should be dimly lit and well-planted.
Provide hiding places with rocks,
roots, and wood.
Shallow tanks are preferred. WATER: pH 5.8-7.8 (7.0), 2-30 dH (10), 72-82F (22-28C) SB: A peaceful, undemanding fish, ideal for community tanks and beginning
aquariasts.
The Emerald catfish likes to shoal, so keep it in groups of 3 or more
fish.
Do not keep with substantially larger, aggressive fish such as large
cichlids. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SC: The females are larger, plumper, and less colorful B: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water. Recommended
values for the water are: 72F (22C), pH of 6.0, and a dH of 2-4. The Emerald Catfish usually spawns in
groups consisting of one female and several females. Each spawning produces 5-12 eggs and lasts between 1-3 hours.
After all spawning is done, about 200 eggs remain on leaves, roots, stones and tank glass. Remove them and place
in a rearing tank. The fry hatch in 5-6 days, at which time they swim immediately to the bottom. Feed microorganisms
and small tablets. The fry are green in color on the front half of their bodies while the rear part red. BP: 8.
Breeding the Emerald Catfish
is difficult. R:
The Emerald Catfish is hardy,
but good water conditions are needed if its metallic green or blue color is to develop.
Species of the genus
Brochis
can be distinguished from
Corydoras species by their presence
of more dorsal rays. DC: 2.
A hardy catfish recommended
for almost any community tank.
Genus
Corydoras [Pictures]
SIZE: From 1" (2.5 cm) to 4" (10 cm) H: This family is spread throughout South America with the greatest
concentration found in the Amazon Basin.
Corydoras
catfish come from a wide range of biotopes; from rocky rapids to slow-moving,
muddy rivers. A: Most swim in the bottom levels of the tank. Some dwarf species may swim
in mid water. TANK: Most can tolerate an aquarium that is 20" long (50 cm) or
has the capacity of 10 gallons (38 L).
These catfish like a well-planted tank with many
hiding places (wood, roots, rocks).
Use fine gravel or sand as a substrate, for these
fish burrow.
Members of the Genus
Corydoras prefer shallow tanks. WATER: With most individuals of this species, water properties are not
critical. Most thrive in
water with a pH of 6-8, a hardness of 2-25 dH, and
a temperature of 72-82F (22-28C). SB: All of the fish in this family are good community fish.
They like to school and should be kept in groups.
Do not combine
Corydoras
species with huge fish as they may eat this pleasant little catfish.
Corydoras
catfish are diurnal fish. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms, Tubifex, Brine Shrimp, insect
larvae; tablets; flake SC: It is fairly difficult to distinguish between the sexes, although
the mature females are usually plumper. B: Use a breeding tank with a sand or fine gravel substrate.
Provide some large-leafed, potted plants.
Usually spawning occurs after
addition of cooler water, in water with a pH of 6-7 and a water hardness of about 6 dH.
The most success of spawning
Corydoras
catfish is reported during the winter months that correspond to the
rainy season of their natural habitat.
Recreating rainy season conditions this far has
lead to the most spawning successes.
For
Corydoras catfish, just the change
ion temperature is usually enough to initiate spawning.
One-fourth of the tank's water
should be changed daily, with cooler water added after each change.
Continue this until the temperature
has been lowered 4-8 F. Corydoras
catfish usually spawn in groups.
The female holds 2-4 eggs between her ventral fins while the male fertilizes them.
After being fertilized, the eggs are carried by the female to a large leafed plant, where they are
attached to the underside of a leaf.
In all 100-400 eggs are laid.
The eggs should be removed as the parents may consume them.
Place the eggs in a well-aerated
rearing tank after spawning is complete.
The eggs are somewhat sensitive
to fungus, so the tank should be kept as dark as possible.
Fry hatch after 3 days and are
free-swimming in 3-5 days further.
Young should be fed small live foods such as white
worms, Tubifex
, Brine Shrimp nauplii, innards of fresh peas, and water fleas.
The fry can also be fed tablet foods.
Young grow quickly. BP: 7.
Breeding is fairly difficult. R: This family has the ability to take atmospheric oxygen from the surface
which aides them in water with insufficient amounts of oxygen. Air is taken in through the mouth and passes along
the intestine to the hind gut, where it absorbed into the blood stream. DC: 2.
As a general rule,
Corydoras
catfish are easy to care for.
Adolf's Cory [Pictures]
Corydoras adolfoi SYN: None PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish.
The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21.
Two pairs of barbels are located on the upper jaw.
The body color is pale gold
or white.
A black band runs along its back and another stripe runs through the
eye.
An orange patch can be found between on top of the body, between the
two black markings.
This spot is an identifying characteristic of Adolf's Catfish.
The fins are white in color. SIZE: To 2.5" (6.4 cm) SS: Burgess' Cory (
Corydoras burgessi ), Bandit Cory
(Corydoras metae
), Diagonal-stripe Cory (
Corydoras melini ), Panda Cory (
Corydoras panda
) H: South America; in white water tributaries of the Rio Negro (Peru). A: bottom TANK: 20" (60 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). As for other
Corydoras
species.
See genus description WATER: pH 6.2-7.8 (7.0); 2-30 dH (9); 75-84F (24-29C) FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SB: Follow suggestions for the genus description. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above. B:
See
C. panda . BP: 8.
This catfish is difficult to
breed. R:
A recent addition to the hobby. DC: 2.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks.
Bronze Catfish [Pictures]
Corydoras aeneus SYN:
Callichthys aeneus, Corydoras macrosteus, Hoplosternum aeneum PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs of barbels are
located on the upper jaw. The lower plates ranges in color from bronze to yellow to reddish-brown to white. The
upper row of plates have a green to golden iridescence, when good water conditions are maintained. The fins are
the tan to bronze in color. SIZE: To 3" (8 cm) SS: Long-finned Brochis (
Brochis britskii ), Giant Brochis
(Brochis multiradiatus
), Emerald Catfish (
Brochis splendens ), Golden-eared
Cory (Corydoras
eques ), Black-band Cory (
Corydorasmelanotaenia
), Zygatus Cory (
Corydoras zygatus ) H: Along banks of slow-moving rivers with sandy bottoms.
South America; from Rio de la Plata to Venezuela; also on the island of Trinidad. A: bottom TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L).
See genus description for more
information WATER: pH 5.8-7.8 (7.0), 2-30 dH (10), 72-82F (22-28C) FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SB: Follow suggestions for
B. splendens. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above. B: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water.
The female carries eggs between her ventral fins to a preselected spawning site (glass walls, leaves,
rocks).
Transfer eggs to a dark, well-aerated rearing tank.
Fry are easy to raise on microworms,
Artemia , and tablets. BP: 5.
Breeding the Bronze Catfish
is not difficult in a species tank. R: One of the easiest of all Catfish in care.
An albino variation is widely
available. DC: 2.
A hardy, community scavenger.
Skunk Cory, Arched Cory [Pictures]
Corydoras arcuatus SYN: None PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish.
The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21.
Two pairs of barbels are located on the upper jaw.
The body color is grayish white
to gray.
A black stripe runs from its mouth, through the eye, along the upper
part of the body, to the fish's caudal peduncle. The fins are white in color, also covered with spots. SIZE: To 2" (5 cm) SS: Narcissus Cory (
Corydoras narcissus ), Rabaut's
or Meyer's Cory (Corydoras
rabauti ) H: Along banks of slow-moving rivers.
South America; found near Tef,
Brazil, in the Tef and Amazon Rivers. A: bottom TANK: 20" (60 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). As for other
Corydoras
species.
See the genus description. WATER: pH 6.5-8 (7.2); 2-25 dH (10); 72-79F (22-26C) FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SB: Follow suggestions for the genus description. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above. B: Not a prolific fish-only 20-30 eggs-are laid on plants.
Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water.
Follow recommendations for other
Corydoras
species.
BP: 7.
This catfish is a fairly difficult
to breed. R: This species is somewhat sensitive to bacteria infections, although
a good filtration system and a regime of frequent partial water changes usually will eliminate these problems. DC: 4.
A community catfish that is
somewhat sensitive to infections.
Giant Cory, Barbatus Catfish, Bearded Catfish, Banded Catfish, Filigree Cory [Pictures]
Corydoras barbatus SYN:
Callichthys barbatus, Corydoras eigenmanni, C. kronei, Scleromystax barbatus, S. kronei PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs are located
on the upper jaw. The base body color is light brown to beige with an overlaying hodgepodge of various patterns
and hues of brown.
The belly is white and the fins are spotted.
Several different color variations
exist. SIZE: To 5" (13 cm) SS: Young
C. barbatus resemble the Long-fin
Cory (Corydoras
macropterus ). H: South America; in small coastal mountain rivers and creeks from Rio
de Janerio to Sao Paulo, Brazil A: bottom TANK: 28" (70 cm) or 20 gallons (75 L). As for other
Corydoras
species.
See the genus description. WATER: pH 5.8-7.5 (6.6); 2-15 dH (7); 68-75F (20-24C) FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SB: A peaceful, undemanding fish, ideal for community tanks with small
to large fish.
Likes to shoal. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful.
Males with maturity, develop cheek bristles. B:
To breed this species, a school
of 7-10 should be kept.
Prior to spawning, frequent partial water changes
should be preformed and the group should be conditioned with insect larvae.
Spawning is initiated by the
addition of cooler water (66-70F).
Eggs are laid high on the glass wall of the aquarium,
usually in groups of 5-7.
A total of 60 eggs are laid.
Follow recommendations for other
Corydoras species. BP: 6.
This catfish is not especially
difficult to breed. R: Largest of the known
Corydoras species.
Sensitive to water pollutants.
There are several regional variations,
some of which may be separate, distinct species. DC: 3.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks.
Salt and Pepper Catfish [Pictures]
Corydoras habrosus SYN: None PD: The body shape of
C. habrosus resembles
C. hastatus
.
The body color is tan to beige and matches the color of the belly.
A broken, olive green band extends from the gill cover back to the caudal peduncle.
The head and back are spotted with dark spots that are brown or black in color.
The caudal fin is striped with 4-5 olive green markings.
SIZE: To 1" (2.5 cm) SS:
(
Corydoras gracilis ) H: South America; Rio Salinas in Venezuela and Columbia A: bottom, middle TANK: 16" (40 cm) or 5 gallons (19 L).
See
C. hastatus for other tank specifications. WATER: pH 6-7.8 (7.0); 2-20 dH (10); 75-82 F (24-28 C) FOOD: Small live foods; small aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex
, Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; tablets; small flakes SB: A peaceful, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or
more.
Combine in a community tank with small, peaceful fish.
Do not place this little catfish with large fish as the Salt and Pepper Catfish may be eaten. SB: Small tetras,
Apistogramma , Corydoras, Peckoltia SC: Females are slightly larger than males.
B: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water.
The eggs are laid singly on the leave of plants.
The parents should be removed
after spawning. BP: 7.
This catfish is a fairly difficult
to breed. R: This tiny catfish is known as
C. cochui in Colombia. DC: 5.
This small fish is sensitive
to water chemistry and is an easy meal for larger tank mates.
Dwarf Corydoras, Pygmy Corydoras, Tail Spot Pygmy Catfish, Mini Spotlight Corydoras [Pictures]
Corydoras hastatus SYN:
Microcorydoras hastatus PD:
The body of the Dwarf Corydoras
is slightly more elongated than the "typical" Corydoras shape.
The body is translucent and
white to pale green in color.
The caudal peduncle is marked with black spot which
is surrounded by a thin white marking.
A thin black line extends from the midsection back
to the black marking on the caudal peduncle.
SIZE: To 1" (2.5 cm) SS: None H: Along banks of small-moving tributaries of the Paraguay and Amazon
rivers.
South America; Mato Grosso, Brazil A: middle.
The Dwarf Catfish is a member
of a small group of Corydoras
catfish that swim in mid-water.
This group also includes
C. habrosus
and C.
pygmaeus , TANK: 16" (60 cm) or 5 gallons (19 L).
The tank should be heavily planted
to provide hiding places for this small catfish.
Although this
Corydoras
is a mid-water swimmer, a fine gravel or sand substrate should be used as the Dwarf Corydoras will
occasionally burrow.
This catfish enjoys swimming into a moderate current
that can be created by a power or canister filter.
The Dwarf Corydoras occasionally
likes to rest on a flat stone or broad leafed plant.
Use bright lighting. WATER: pH 6-7.8 (7.0); 2-20 dH (10); 75-82F (24-28C) SB: A peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with small
and peaceful fish.
This schooling fish should be kept in groups of eight or more.
Do not combine with medium to large sized fish as this cory is an easy meal. SB: Small tetras,
Apistogramma , Corydoras, Peckoltia, Colisa FOOD: Small live foods; small aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex
, Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; tablets; small flakes; will nibble algae SC: Males are usually not more than
3 /
4 " (1.9 cm), while females
reach 1.2 (3 cm) and are plumper.
B: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water.
The eggs are deposited in Java moss.
Transfer the eggs to a rearing
tank.
Start feeding with
Artemia . BP: 7.
This catfish is a fairly difficult
to breed. DC: 4.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks with smaller fish.
Peppered Corydoras, Paleatus Cory [Pictures]
Corydoras paleatus SYN:
Callichthys paleatus, Corydoras marmoratus PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 22-24 plates, while the lower 20-22. Two pairs of barbels are
located on the upper jaw. The body color is tan or gray with a green iridescence. The belly is white.
The body is covered with dark markings that are brown or black in color. The fins are the tan to bronze
in color, also covered with spots.
Color varies on the fish's population. SIZE: To 4" (10 cm) SS: Ehrhardt's Cory (
Corydoras ehrhardti ) A: bottom H: Along banks of slow-moving rivers from Eastern Brazil to Rio de la
Plata Basin. TANK: 20" (50 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L).
See genus description for more
information. WATER: pH 6-8 (7.0), 2-28 dH (8), 70-81F (21-27C) SB: Follow suggestions for the genus description. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above. B: As for other
Corydoras species.
See the genus description. BP: 6.
Breeding is fairly easy. R: Among the most popular of
Corydoras catfish. It is long-lived
and was first bred in captivity in 1878 in Paris. There is an albino variation of this fish.
Commercially bred in Southeast Asia and Florida.
First collected in the early
1830's by Charles Darwin on his voyage on the Beagle
. DC: 2.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks.
Panda Catfish, Panda Cory [Pictures]
Corydoras panda SYN: None PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs of barbels are
located on the upper jaw. The body color is white.
The body has two dark spots;
one around the eye-from which the Panda Catfish receives its name- and the other by the base of the tail. The fins
are the tan to bronze in color, but the dorsal fin is black. There are several of similar
Corydoras
species that are often confused
and sold as this fish. SIZE: To 2" (10 cm) SS: Adolph's Cory (
Corydoras adolphoi ), Burgess' Cory
(Corydoras burgessi
), Bandit Cory (
Corydoras metae ), Diagonal-stripe
Cory (Corydoras
melini )
H: Along banks of slow-moving clear rivers.
South America; the tributaries
of and in the Ucayali River in Peru. A: bottom TANK: 16" (40 cm) or 5 gallons (19 L).
Use a fine gravel bottom.
The lighting should be dim and the tank well-planted and well-oxygenated. Like most other catfish,
the Panda Cory prefers shallow tanks. WATER: pH 5.8-7.8 (7.0), 2-20 dH (10), 72-82F (22-28C) SB: Follow suggestions for the genus description. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above. B: The Panda Catfish has spawned in Java moss and against the glass
of the aquarium.
In one case, when a group of fish reached maturity, a pair was isolated
in a spawning tank.
They were fed
Tubifex and
Daphnia
.
The water had a hardness of 18 dH.
Frequent partial water changes
were performed.
Cooler (72-75F) water was used to initiate spawning. The female
lays 3 to 5 yellow eggs per spawning. After spawning, parents should be removed. The fry hatch in 4-6 days.
Start feeding after 2 days.
Maintain good water properties
and change small portion of water every day to every other day. The fry grow fast if fed the proper diet of crushed
flake, small crustaceans, and micro-food.
BP: 8.
The Panda Catfish is a difficult
fish to breed. R: Water maintenance is important with this
Corydoras .
Frequent partial water
changes are needed for this catfish to prosper. DC: 5.
The Panda Cory is hardy, but
slightly more sensitive to water conditions than other
Corydoras species.
Pygmy Corydoras [Pictures]
Corydoras pygmaeus SYN: None PD:
The body is more elongated than
C. hastatus
.
The body color is dirty white
to beige and matches the color of the belly.
The back is olive brown and
dark brown to black stripe extends from the tip of the snout back to the caudal peduncle.
Another similarly colored stripe
extends from behind the pectoral fin, along the base of the belly, and
to the end of the anal fin.
SIZE: To 1" (2.5 cm) SS:
Dwarf Corydoras (
Corydoras hastatus
) H: South America; Rio Madeira and its tributaries (Brazil).
This fish is found swimming in mid-water in huge schools of thousands in the wild. A: middle, top TANK: 16" (60 cm) or 5 gallons (19 L).
See
C. hastatus for other tank specifications. WATER: pH 6-7.8 (7.0); 1-30 dH (10); 75-82F (24-28C) FOOD: Small live foods; small aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex
, Brine Shrimp, insect larvae; small flakes SB: A peaceful, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of 6 or
more.
Combine in a community tank with small, peaceful fish.
Do not place this little catfish with large fish as the Pygmy Corydoras may be mistaken for food. Easily intimidated by larger fish SB: As for
Corydoras hastatus . SC: Females are slightly larger than males.
B: Spawning is initiated by the addition of cooler water.
Use a well-planted tank.
Eggs are laid singly on leaves.
Fry often appear in heavily planted, lowly populated tanks. BP: 6.
This catfish is a fairly easy
species to breed. R: Most available of the pygmy
Corydoras species. DC: 4.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks having small fish.
Reticulated Catfish, Network Catfish [Pictures]
Corydoras reticulatus SYN: None PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs are located
on the upper jaw. The body color is tan or gray while the belly is white.
The body is dotted with dark
spots that are brown or black in color. The fins are the tan to bronze in color, also covered with spots. There
are several similar Corydoras
species that are often confused and sold as this fish. SIZE: To 2.8" (7 cm) SS: Evelyn's Cory (
Corydoras elelynae ), Mini Cory
(Corydoras nanus
), Napo Cory (
Corydoras napoensis ), Network or
False Network Catfish (C.
sodalis ) H: Along banks of slow-moving rivers.
South America;
exported from Iquitos, Peru A: bottom TANK: 20" (60 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). As for other
Corydoras
species.
See genus description WATER: pH 5.8-7.8 (7.0), 2-20 dH (8), 73-82F (23-28C) SB: A peaceful, undemanding fish, ideal for community tanks and beginning
aquariasts.
See Genus description for more information. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above. B:
As for other
Corydoras
species.
See genus description BP: 8.
The Reticulated Catfish is more
difficult to breed than other
Corydoras species. DC: 2.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks.
Leopard Catfish, Three Line Cory, Juli Catfish [Pictures]
Corydoras trilineatus SYN:
Corydoras julii .
C. julii is an independent species. PD: The body is stocky and deep, with an arched back. Two rows of bony
plates make up each side of the fish. The upper has 21-23 plates, while the lower 19-21. Two pairs are located
on the upper jaw. The body color is tan or gray while the belly is white.
The body is dotted with dark
spots that are brown or black in color. The fins are the tan to bronze in color, also covered with spots. The upper
part of the dorsal fin is black. There are dozens of similar
Corydoras species that are often
confused and sold as this fish. SIZE: To 3" (10 cm) SS: Blacktop Cory (
Corydoras acutus ), Agassiz' Cory
(Corydoras agassizi
), Half-masked Cory (
Corydoras ambiacus ), Rio Huallaga
Cory (Corydoras
armatus ), Masked Cory (
Corydoras atropersonatus
), Bond's Cory (
Corydoras bondi ), Elegant Cory
(Corydoras elegans
), Harald Schultz's Cory (
Corydoras haraldschultzi ), Leopard
Cory (Corydoras
leopardus ), Black-fin Cory (
Corydoras leucomelas
), Black Sail Cory (
Corydoras melanistius ), Mini Cory
(Corydoras nanus
), Ornate Cory (
Corydoras ornatus ), Spot-fin Cory
(Corydoras orphnopterus
), Many-spotted Cory (
Corydoras polystictus ), Robina's
Cory (Corydoras
robineae ), Schwartz' Cory (
Corydoras schwartzi
), Netted or Network Cory (
Corydoras sodalis ), Maze Cory (
Corydoras sterbai
), Spotted Cory (
Corydoras surinamensis ), Sychri
Cory (Corydoras
sychri ), Rio Xingu Cory (
Corydoras xinguensis
) H: Along banks of slow-moving rivers with soft bottom material.
South America; Ambyiacu and Ucayali Rivers and their tributaries, Peru A: bottom TANK: 20" (60 cm) or 10 gallons (38 L). As for other
Corydoras
species.
See genus description WATER: pH 5.8-7.5 (7.2); 2-20 dH (10); 68-82F (20-28C) FOOD: Live; aquatic insects, white worms,
Tubifex , Brine Shrimp, insect larvae;
tablets; flake SB: A peaceful, undemanding fish, ideal for community tanks and beginning
aquariasts.
See genus description for more information. SB: Smaller tetras, Discus, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers, Gouramis, Barbs,
Danios, Killifish SC: The females are larger and plumper behind their pectoral fins, and
less colorful. Easier to sex when viewed from above. B:
Make frequent partial water
changes and feed the fish live foods to get them in spawning condition.
Spawning is initiated by the
addition of cooler water.
A single pair or sometimes a group will spawn together.
The rest of the breeding procedure is similar to other
Corydoras species. BP: 7.
This catfish is a fairly difficult
to breed. DC: 2.
A hardy fish recommended for
most community tanks.
