Rabaut's Corydoras / Rust Corydoras
Osteogaster rabauti
The 'Rust Corydoras'. A majestic inhabitant of the central Amazon, it is dramatically distinguished by a gigantic dark rust and black stripe that descends diagonally along its entire body.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 28 °C
pH-Wert
6 - 7.5
Wassertyp
Süßwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten
Erwachsenengröße
5,5 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 60 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 6
GH
2 - 15 dGH
KH
1 - 7 dKH
TDS
40 - 295 ppm
Leitfähigkeit
63 - 461 uS/cm
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Watercourses and rivers of the upper Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru). Often found in marginal pools, muddy channels and flooded areas with low flow.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Rabaut's Corydoras (Osteogaster rabauti). Very similar to C. zygatus, but C. rabauti has a more "rust" or bright orange base coloration, especially in the lower part.
Social Behavior: Essentially gregarious and non-aggressive. If not kept in a school (6 or more), it falls into lethargy. In a group they patrol the early morning hours and dusk in a ceaseless search for nutrients.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Rust-orange or bright brownish body crossed by a wide and thick lead-colored (almost black) band running longitudinally from the neck to the tail. Males are more slender.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 80 cm (32 inches). Mandatory use of sand (no coarse substrates). Recreate shelters with coconuts, large branched roots and a good layer of floating vegetation.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous scavenger par excellence. Consumes debris, small particles of uneaten flakes, pellets and tablets. A weekly integration of frozen or live food (tubifex) is necessary.
Water Quality: Robust species tolerant to broad spectra of pH and GH, provided that hygiene conditions are impeccable (very low nitrates, total absence of ammonia).
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal fish for any community aquarium. Cohabits beautifully with Characins (Tetras), peaceful Loricariids, Guppies and Platies (if values allow) and dwarf Cichlids.
Aquarium Breeding: Occurs according to the normal Corydoras process: stimulus with a cold water change, fertilization and adhesive spawning. Peculiarity of this species: the young are born unpigmented and then gradually darken.
Risks and Diseases: Very resistant to common diseases, the only real threats are barbels worn out by sharp stones and toxic stagnation of feces in unsiphoned gravel.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
Watercourses and rivers of the upper Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru). Often found in marginal pools, muddy channels and flooded areas with low flow.
Ursprung
Amazonas, Orinoco und Guayana
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Osteogaster rabauti is exceedingly peaceful and sociable, making them a favorite among community tank enthusiasts. They show absolutely no aggression towards other fish species and prefer to go about their daily foraging undisturbed. They are highly gregarious and derive comfort from the presence of their own kind, frequently resting and moving together as a unified group. Isolation can cause them immense stress, resulting in hiding and refusing to eat.
- Diät
- Omnivore
- Osteogaster rabauti are omnivorous bottom feeders that require a varied diet to thrive in captivity. A high-quality sinking pellet or wafer specifically formulated for bottom dwellers should form the staple of their daily meals. They also greatly benefit from regular offerings of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. It is important to ensure that food reaches the bottom before being consumed by mid-water fish so they do not go hungry.
- Lebenserwartung
- 5-8 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 5.5 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- School
- A recommended sex ratio for Osteogaster rabauti, especially if breeding is desired, is two or three males for every female. This mimics their natural breeding groups and increases the chances of successful fertilization of the eggs. In a standard display tank, exact ratios are less critical as long as they are kept in a sufficiently large shoal of six or more. Having more males ensures that the female is constantly courted during the breeding cycle.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- Feeding Osteogaster rabauti one or two times a day is generally sufficient to maintain their health and vitality. Care should be taken to provide only what they can actively consume within three to five minutes to prevent water fouling. If kept in a community setup with aggressive surface feeders, it may be beneficial to feed them after lights out. Observing their belly fullness can help determine if the feeding frequency and amounts are appropriate.
- Bioload
- Low to Medium
- Osteogaster rabauti produces a moderate bioload, making them excellent candidates for community tanks. Their efficient scavenging habits actually help maintain water quality by consuming uneaten food that would otherwise decay. Despite their modest size, a school of six or more does contribute somewhat to the tank's waste output. Regular water changes and adequate filtration are still necessary to keep the bioload manageable and nitrate levels low.
- Fluss
- Stagnant
- This species prefers gentle to moderate water flow that mimics the slow-moving streams and tributaries of various South American river basins. Excessive flow can cause unnecessary stress and fatigue, as they are not built for constant swimming against strong currents. A well-placed sponge filter or a canister filter with a spray bar can provide the ideal balance of filtration and gentle water movement. Oxygenation remains important, so ensuring surface agitation without overpowering the bottom areas is key.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- The jumping risk for Osteogaster rabauti is exceptionally low, as they are primarily bottom-dwelling fish that spend most of their time foraging in the substrate. However, they do periodically dart to the surface to gulp air due to their modified intestine that acts as an accessory respiratory organ. During these quick ascents, an open tank could present a slight risk if they misjudge the distance. A standard aquarium lid is recommended to ensure they stay safely contained inside the tank.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- Breeding Osteogaster rabauti can be achieved in a dedicated breeding setup with cool water changes used to trigger spawning behavior. The females are typically larger and more robust, scattering adhesive eggs onto broad-leaved plants, aquarium glass, or spawning mops. Once spawning is complete, the adult fish should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The fry hatch after a few days and require very small live foods like microworms or freshly hatched brine shrimp.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Peaceful
- These peaceful catfish are highly compatible with a wide variety of community fish. They do exceptionally well with small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids that inhabit the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. Aggressive or large bottom-dwelling species should be avoided as they may bully the Osteogaster rabauti or outcompete them for food. Keeping them in groups of at least six of their own kind is vital for their sense of security.
- Tankfüllstand
- Bottom
- Osteogaster rabauti are strictly bottom dwellers, spending almost the entirety of their day sifting through the substrate in search of food. They require a soft, sandy substrate to prevent damage to their delicate barbels, which are essential for sensing their environment. While they occasionally dart to the surface to take in a breath of atmospheric air, they immediately return to the bottom. Decor elements like caves, driftwood, and low-lying plants provide them with much-needed resting spots.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 3 ± 0,35 se
- Belastbarkeit
- Mittel (1,4 - 4,4 Jahre)
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5039
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.02455, b = 3
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
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