Species Spotlight: Corydoras

Cory catfish are definitely one of my top five favorite fish to keep in a community aquarium. Their interesting shapes and their great activity levels make them the perfect fish for a beginner. Not only are the cute looking but are one of the easiest fish to care for in the hobby. Here is a quick overview of their care in the home aquarium.

Scientific Name: Corydoras spp.

Origin: South America

Life Span: 3 - 5 years

Water Parameters: Require pH from 6 -8, with water temperature 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Corys are very peaceful, easy fish that make a great addition to any freshwater community aquarium larger than 10 gallons. They prefer to be in groups (3 or more) and are mainly bottom feeders in the home aquarium. Corys will scavenge off of decaying matter, specific types of algae and left over fish food.

A common misconception about corys it that the only consume algae, this is due to many first time hobbyist confusing them with the common 'plecostomus'. In reality, corys are omnivores and require both, algae and crustaceans in their diet.

A large part caring properly for corys is providing them with the correct substrate. Many hobbyist are suggesting that a sand bottom is better suited for their barbels to find food and for their delicate ventral skin. It has been found that with the incorrect substrate many corys develop "blisters" and "wounds" on their stomachs and on their barbels. Personally, I have always kept my corys on a large gravel substrate and not once have I had a cory that showed signs of wounds, blisters or distress at the type of substrate.

Breeding these fun fish in an aquarium is possible, but slightly difficult because the only discernible difference between males and females is size. Males are typically smaller than the females but once reaching the adult size of around 2.5 cm, the females may look slightly larger and fatter. Corys are egg layers and will place their eggs on any substrate or flat surface in the aquarium.

Available in local pet stores are a variety of different types of corys, allowing the hobbyist to pick the perfect color match for his or her aquarium. With their easy care requirements and fun behavior exhibited in an aquarium I would not pass up adding 5 - 6 of these corys to any freshwater aquarium.

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