False Corydoras / Sixray Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to Brazil (upper Rio Negro basin and Araguaia river). Lives in small and shallow streams with very dark and weakly acidic waters, moving frantically in huge schools on clean sandy beaches.

Taxonomy and Morphology: False Corydoras / Sixray Corydoras (Aspidoras pauciradiatus). Tiny relative of the Corydoras, recognizable by the eye very close to the short snout, the incredibly thin body and only 6 rays on the dorsal fin.

Social Behavior: Extreme and neurotic gregariousness. Never keep less than 10 specimens. Unlike the placid Corydoras, Aspidoras are hyperactive, they patrol the glass with darting sprints in mid-water and sift the bottom simultaneously in a school.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Miniature "Leopard" livery: golden/silver body sprinkled with infinite tiny black spots, with a black patch at the base of the dorsal spine. Mature females are clearly thicker and longer, males almost needle-like.

Aquarium Setup: Nano-aquarium of at least 60 cm (24 inches) (they need a runway to swim). Very fine sand is the most critical success factor. Avoid sharp gravel that will inexorably erode their tiny barbels. Rich vegetation and dim light.

Diet and Feeding: Micro-scavenger. Will eat the leftovers of other fish but MUST be intentionally fed with crumbled sinking tablets, microscopic granules and live vinegar eels or microworms. Whole tablets are too hard for their little mouths.

Water Quality: Being a "Blackwater" species, it prefers very soft and amber waters. Highly sensitive to organic accumulations (nitrates) and dirty bottoms, which cause instant bacterial die-offs of the barbels.

Compatibility and Tankmates: A piece of excellence for a peaceful Amazonian nano-aquarium. Excellent with Microrasboras (Brigittae), Ember Tetras and small Otocinclus. To be avoided with species that steal food on the bottom (Botia) and large earth-eating Cichlids (Geophagus).

Aquarium Reproduction: Similar to that of Corydoras but on a miniaturized scale. They lay 10-20 huge eggs (compared to their size) on the aquarium glass or on broad-leaved plants in the current ("T" position). The young are very delicate.

Risks and Diseases: Unlike the robust Corydoras paleatus, A. pauciradiatus suffer terribly from commercial transport, often dying from toxicity in the bags or arriving malnourished. Drip acclimation is imperative.