Evelyn's Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Upper Amazon rainforest (Solimões River basin) in the area bordering Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Prefers slow amber waters or isolated oxbows surrounded by dense primary jungle, with thick deposits of organic matter and soft sand.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Often labeled with C-numbers. Quite rare and of medium-small size, does not exceed 4.5 cm (1.8 inches). Belongs to the complex of small short-snouted Corydoras with tiger/leopard patterns that share ecological niches similar to C. arcuatus and C. trilineatus.

Social Behavior: Very peaceful species, perpetually busy on the substrate. Fearful by nature, the absence of a large school (minimum 6-8) makes them subject to severe lethargic stress. If reassured by a group and a not overly bright environment, they become curious and intrepid.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light livery adorned with a large black orbital mask, and two or three fragmented bands or large black "broken spots" along the flank and on the back, highly variable between individuals. The dorsal fin is partially transparent or spotted. Females decidedly more gravid and wider than males.

Aquarium Setup: The use of impalpable sand is non-negotiable; even small gravel will damage the delicate barbels. Recreate a protected area with coconut half-shells, dense branches (Red Moor Wood), and Catappa leaves. The addition of peat will soften the lighting making them very active.

Diet and Feeding: Insatiable omnivorous detritivore. The base should be top-quality commercial tabs rich in vegetable and animal proteins. Absolutely necessary to supplement with frozen Daphnia and Bloodworms: if fed on "leftovers" they waste away in a few weeks.

Water Quality: Extreme cleanliness of the bottom required. Recommended temperatures between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). Low to medium hardness (GH 2-12). It is essential to keep the water acidic or sub-neutral (pH 6.0-7.2) and proceed with abundant water changes to avoid fatal nitrate loads.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfectly shares the habitat in peaceful community tanks with medium-small species. Excellent pairings with South American Tetras (e.g., Nematobrycon palmeri, Paracheirodon innesi), dwarf Corydoras, and Apistogramma or Ramirezi. Totally unsuitable with goldfish or large predators.

Aquarium Reproduction: Documented but not very frequent: breeders are pushed to the T-Position by the ingestion of heavy quantities of live food and sudden temperature fluctuations (cold water in top-offs). They lay single adhesive eggs among plants (e.g., Java Moss). Adults to be removed to avoid cannibalism.

Risks and Diseases: Lethal for them is the loss or ulceration of barbels caused by sharp substrates, leading to starvation. They suffer severely and die with direct or prolonged administrations of Malachite Green or Copper-based curatives.