Gosse's Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Mamoré River in Brazil and Bolivia. Prefers rather warm waters with soft sandy bottoms and decaying aquatic vegetation along the banks.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Gosse's Corydoras (Corydoras gossei). Named after the Belgian taxonomist Jean-Pierre Gosse. Short snout and stocky body, typical of armored Corydoras.

Social Behavior: Highly gregarious. Requires being kept in schools of at least 6 individuals. It is a robust species that does not show shyness if kept in the right numbers, spending a lot of time patrolling the sand in a group.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Breathtaking livery: dark or purplish body covered with fine yellow/golden spots or streaks. The pectoral and dorsal fins (spines) have a very intense neon orange color. Females are noticeably stockier than males.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank 80 cm (32 inches). Mandatory use of non-sharp sand for the health of the barbels. Add branches or smooth rocks to create shaded areas. They appreciate slightly higher temperatures (26-28°C / 79-82°F) than other congeners.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous digger. Sinking feeds (wafers and tablets) supplemented with an abundant supply of frozen food (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia) ideally administered when the lights are off.

Water Quality: Tolerates high temperatures, making it the ideal candidate to accompany Discus. Well-oxygenated water and regular water changes to keep nitrates low (< 20ppm).

Compatibility and Tankmates: One of the best bottom fish for warm tanks. Cohabits peacefully with Discus, Angelfish, large schools of Cardinals and small Loricariids. No intraspecific or interspecific aggression.

Aquarium Reproduction: Easily breedable: a massive change of cooler water (monsoon simulation) will induce the pair to T-mate and adhere hundreds of eggs to the aquarium glass.

Risks and Diseases: Sensitive to barbel erosion if on sharp bottoms, or to abdominal bacteriosis if the temperature drops below 24°C (75°F) for long periods.