Elegant cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Amazon River basin (Peru, Brazil, Colombia). Very adaptable, inhabits both clear streams and blackwater rivers rich in roots, leaves and rotting fruit.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Elegant Corydoras (Corydoras elegans). Belongs to the "elegans group", characterized by a much more pelagic (mid-water) swimming compared to other Corydoras.

Social Behavior: Unlike its cousins who spend 100% of their time on the sand, C. elegans frequently swims in mid-water, often hovering in a school among the leaves of aquatic plants.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The male has a very elaborate and "elegant" pattern of parallel black longitudinal stripes (or reticulated) on a grayish-olive background. The female is much drabber, robust and lacks the clear striped pattern.

Aquarium Setup: Sand bottom is always necessary, but the aquarium should be well planted (with broad-leaved plants) to offer mid-water hovering points. Light not too blinding.

Diet and Feeding: Does not sift the bottom as deeply as long-snouted species. Feeds readily in the water column. Sinking feeds, daphnia and brine shrimp (live or freeze-dried).

Water Quality: Robust and easy to keep. Basic requirements: excellent oxygenation, good filtration and regular bottom cleaning.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal for South American community tanks, with peaceful medium or small sized Characins and dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma). Totally harmless towards others.

Aquarium Reproduction: The female lays a great many eggs (hundreds if adult) on the aquarium glass or in areas of greater current after the inevitable stimulation with cold water changes.

Risks and Diseases: It is a very rustic corydoras. The greatest danger remains copper poisoning or the ingestion of sharp gravel in search of food.