Içana Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from Brazil (Içana River Basin, in the north of the Rio Negro). Finds its perfect habitat in small streams and quiet meanders, with distinctly acidic and amber water (blackwater), with a dense tropical canopy that shields the light and a substrate of dead leaves.

Taxonomy and Morphology: C. incolicana ("inhabitant of the Içana") is a Corydoras belonging to the Callichthyidae family. It has a moderately long and stocky snout profile and resistant bony armor. Reaches 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) in the adult stage.

Social Behavior: Vital gregariousness. Keeping schools made up of 6 or better 10+ specimens ensures complete disinhibition. Very busy but by nature fearful: an excessively busy or empty tank of decorations will make it invisible for most of the day.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Cream background with pinkish/golden nuances. Densely covered by a patchwork of brown-black spots (reticulated pattern) and sports the conspicuous black "bandit-type" mask over the eyes typical of many Corys. Females considerably more paunchy and taller than males.

Aquarium Setup: Impose the use of fine silica sand for the health of the barbels. Roots (red-moor) covered with Java ferns and conspicuous handfuls of decaying oak leaves on the bottom. Requires dimmed lights and slow currents.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous bottom fish tending to carnivore. Must be foraged in dim or off lights: administer sinking tablets, granules, and flood the substrate thrice-weekly with chopped krill, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tiny frozen bloodworms.

Water Quality: Sensitive to bottom putrescence (deadly nitrates > 25ppm). Temperatures from 22 to 26°C (72-79°F). Medium-low water hardness (GH 2-12). Slightly acidic or neutral pH (6.0 - 7.2). Partial water changes with remineralized RO water are important.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Friendly tenant par excellence. Ideal with small South American tetras (Neons, Hyphessobrycon), herbivorous Loricariids (Farlowella, Otocinclus) and dwarf species like rasboras. Any pairing with dominant bottom cichlids is not recommended.

Aquarium Reproduction: Classic T-position modality: stimulated by the introduction of cold water (monsoon simulation). Lays clusters of thick and viscous eggs on broad leaves or on the aquarium glass. Immediate removal of the parents or eggs to a hatchery is necessary.

Risks and Diseases: Abrasive gravel will lead to bacterial necrosis of the snout, depriving it of the vital ability to procure food. Formalin and Malachite Green-based therapies should only be used at fractions of the dosage.