Corydoras Catfish

Care Requirements

1. Tank Size: Although small in size (typically 2-4 inches), Corydoras are social and prefer to live in groups of at least six. A 20-gallon tank is ideal for a small school.
   • Example: For a group of six Cory catfish, a 20-gallon long tank offers them plenty of space to explore and swim along the bottom.
2. Water Parameters:
   • Temperature: Corydoras thrive in water temperatures ranging from 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 25°C).
   • pH Level: Keep the pH between 6.0 and 7.8, slightly acidic to neutral.
   • Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is optimal for these fish.
   • Filtration: Cory catfish prefer clean, well-oxygenated water. A reliable filtration system is key to maintaining water quality, but make sure the water flow isn’t too strong, as they prefer calm waters.
3. Tank Setup:
   • Substrate: Use soft substrates like sand or smooth gravel. Corydoras have sensitive barbels (whisker-like structures) that can get injured on sharp or rough substrates.
   • Plants & Décor: Include live or artificial plants to offer hiding spots and a sense of security. Driftwood or smooth rocks can also create a natural environment for them.
   • Lighting: Moderate lighting works best, as they don’t like bright, intense light.
4. Tank Companions:
   • Corydoras are peaceful fish and make great tank mates for other non-aggressive species like tetras, guppies, or rasboras.
   • Tip: Avoid keeping Corydoras with large, aggressive fish, as they can get stressed or outcompeted for food.

Feeding Instructions

Cory catfish are omnivorous bottom feeders, meaning they eat food that sinks to the bottom. Feeding them properly ensures their health and well-being.

1. Staple Diet:
   • Feed Corydoras sinking pellets or wafers formulated for bottom-dwelling fish. These pellets ensure they receive the essential nutrients.
2. Supplemental Foods:
   • Add variety by occasionally feeding them live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia. These protein-rich foods support their growth and vitality.
   • Example: Feed them small amounts of bloodworms once a week for extra protein and enrichment.
3. Vegetable Matter:
   • Blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber can be offered as treats once in a while.
4. Feeding Frequency:
   • Feed Corydoras once or twice a day, only as much as they can consume within a few minutes. They will also forage for leftover food in the substrate, but make sure their primary diet is nutrient-rich.

Ease of Keeping

1. Temperament: Corydoras are peaceful, making them a perfect addition to community aquariums. They are active during the day but enjoy resting under plants or décor.
   • Tip: Always keep them in groups of at least 6, as they are social creatures and will thrive in a community.
2. Water Maintenance: While Cory catfish help keep the substrate clean by foraging, regular water changes are still important. Change 20-25% of the water weekly to maintain optimal conditions.
3. Behavior: Corydoras are known for their playful nature, often darting up to the water’s surface for air. They have a unique ability to gulp air when oxygen levels are low, though this shouldn’t replace good tank oxygenation.
   • Example: Watching them swim in synchronized movements with their school is a sign of a healthy, happy group.

Tips for Success

• Always provide a soft substrate to protect their sensitive barbels from injury.
• Perform regular water quality checks to ensure they’re in a stable environment.
• Feed them a varied diet to maintain their health and prevent malnutrition.
• Keep the water temperature stable to avoid stress-related illnesses.