Fairy Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Amazon River basin (Ecuador, Peru). Lives in small shaded watercourses, moderately flowing rivers and oxbow lakes with a bottom of sand mixed with plant debris.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Fairy Corydoras (Corydoras atropersonatus). Short-snouted Corydoras, compact and minute. Shares the spotted pattern with C. sychri (which, however, is long-snouted).

Social Behavior: Very peaceful, active and lively if kept in adequate groups (minimum 6-8). Spends a lot of time exploring the sand; in isolation it becomes extremely skittish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light body (whitish-silvery) covered with small, dense black spots, with a prominent black mask crossing the eye ("atropersonatus" means dark-masked). Females visibly wider.

Aquarium Setup: A 60 cm (24 inches) tank is sufficient. Fine sand is essential to prevent injuries. Appreciates shelters created by sunken wood and Indian almond leaves (Catappa) that release beneficial tannins.

Diet and Feeding: Bottom micro-predator. Readily eats sinking pellets specific for Corydoras, live or frozen bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp. The diet must include good quality proteins.

Water Quality: Quite tolerant regarding hardness, but requires clean water with low nitrates and excellent oxygenation, like all armored catfish.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent companion for South American community aquariums with small peaceful fish (Neons, Nannostomus, Apistogramma). Totally harmless towards fish, shrimp (adult Neocaridinas) or snails.

Aquarium Reproduction: Lays adhesive eggs on glass or broad leaves after courtship stimulated by cool water changes. The female holds a few eggs at a time between her ventral fins before attaching them.

Risks and Diseases: Bacterial and fungal diseases of the barbels if sharp gravel is used or if the bottom is not siphoned regularly.