Coppename Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Coppename River basin in Suriname (South America). Inhabits shaded forest streams and small tributaries with clear waters heavily tinted by tannins from decaying leaves.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Coppename Corydoras (Corydoras coppenamensis). Armored catfish of the Callichthyidae family. Features a compact body shape, rounded head, and two pairs of sensory barbels. Like all Corydoras, it possesses defensive bony plates.

Social Behavior: Extremely peaceful, gregarious, and benthic. Must be kept in schools of at least 6 specimens, preferably 10+. Spends the day scouring the bottom and occasionally rises to the surface to breathe atmospheric air.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light silvery-gray base livery with an intricate pattern of dark spots and vermicular lines on the head and body. Mature females are visibly broader and more robust than males when viewed from above.

Aquarium Setup: 80 cm (32 inches) tank. VERY FINE SAND substrate (sugar size) is FUNDAMENTAL to avoid damaging the delicate barbels. Set up with branched bogwood and a leaf litter to create reassuring shaded areas.

Diet and Feeding: Benthic omnivore. It is not a "scavenger". Requires a specific diet based on quality sinking tablets for bottom-dwellers, live/frozen bloodworms, tubifex, and daphnia to maintain optimal health.

Water Quality: Prefers soft and slightly acidic to neutral waters (pH 6.0-7.5). Keep nitrates very low and a clean bottom to prevent bacterial infections to the barbels. Sensitive to copper-based medications.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect for peaceful community aquariums. Excellent companions include small to medium Tetras, Rasboras, Apistogramma, and other non-aggressive fish. Do not associate with large predatory Cichlids that could swallow them.

Aquarium Reproduction: Stimulated by large cool water changes. The female lays adhesive eggs on glass or broad leaves after a complex mating ritual ("T" position). Parents will prey on the eggs if not separated.

Risks and Diseases: Barbel erosion caused by sharp substrates (rough gravel) or poor bottom hygiene is the main cause of mortality, leading to starvation and systemic infections. Copper compounds are lethal.