Kane's Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Amazon basin, limited to the upper portion of the Rio Negro (Brazil). Frequents calm lagoons and bays at the edges of major currents, deep or transparent "blackwater" habitats characterized by a substrate of very fine white sand.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Species morphologically associated with the "atropersonatus" complex due to the round snout and pattern. A small-sized Corydoras, males rarely exceed 4.5 cm (1.8 inches), females 5 cm (2 inches). High profile and compact body make it stocky at first glance.

Social Behavior: Very docile and constantly in motion. The need for the school is imperative: housed singly or in small numbers it suffers severe stress. If in a thick group (8-10 individuals) it will confidently explore the roots and sand, not fearing areas in full light.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: White or light silvery gray base ("silver-white"). Very dense, tiny, and black stippling everywhere. A deep bandit-style black orbital mask stands out, and an obvious diffuse dark spotting on the dorsal fin. Obvious dimorphism in the female ventral circumference.

Aquarium Setup: The sandy substrate is vital for its surface-digging habits. Adapts to heavily planted tanks (Echinodorus, Vallisneria), provided large portions of the bottom are left free, shaded by twisted branches.

Diet and Feeding: Zoobenthos hunter. Must be accustomed to accepting specific tabs for siluriformes but the diet must be reinforced on a fixed basis with high-quality live or frozen food: red daphnia, copepods, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.

Water Quality: Temperature 22-26°C (72-79°F). Medium/low hardness (GH 2-12). Tolerated pH: 6.0 - 7.2. Fears ammoniacal spikes; needs mature and oversized filtration, combined with frequent, but not massive, partial water changes.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal tankmate for peaceful tanks of modest size. The only prohibition is associating it with fish that share or aggressively dominate the bottom (e.g., some Cichlids). Excellent with small Tetras, peaceful Loricariids, Rasboras, and the like.

Aquarium Reproduction: Classic method of the genus: 30% cold water changes post-intensive feeding. They lay a modest number of isolated, very sticky spherical eggs on the glass. High rate of cannibalism dictates a hatchery for the separated eggs.

Risks and Diseases: Inadequate bottoms will cause barbel ulceration and lethal systemic infection. Very low tolerance for Copper, aggressive salt in prophylaxis, or coloring substances used against Ichthyophthiriasis.