Lambert's Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Rio Pastaza in Peru and tributaries of the upper Amazon basin. Populates clear water streams with weak to moderate currents, sheltered by a dense canopy where dead leaves accumulate on fine sandy beds.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the subgroup of long-snouted Corydoras. Slender siluriform body, reaches a maximum length of 5.5 cm (2.2 inches). Markedly aerodynamic head proportions suitable for deep digging.

Social Behavior: Vital gregariousness. Due to the long snout and hyper-peaceful nature, it is very cautious in its outings. It is comforted exploring the tank in schools of at least 6 individuals; left alone, it suffers sudden lethargies.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Presents a fascinating "saddle" livery: pink-cream base coloration, snout finely spotted with black, and two massive black "saddle-like" spots/bands (one at the base of the dorsal, the other just before the caudal). Females distinguishable by the swollen abdomen and less slender profile.

Aquarium Setup: No compromise: strictly requires a bottom of very fine quartz sand. The presence of twisted wood and an abundance of Terminalia catappa leaves should be encouraged, combined with low light.

Diet and Feeding: Specialized benthic predator. Feed with highly proteinaceous tablets regularly mixed with daphnia, white worms, and live/frozen red bloodworms to preserve its massive build. It does not accept vegetable scraps.

Water Quality: Temperature 22-26°C (72-79°F). Soft GH 2-12, pH from 6.0 to 7.2. Intolerant to the total absence of oxygen on the bottom; provide light but constant siphoning and a filter output sufficient to exchange the shallow water.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Subjected to stress, it lets itself die of starvation. Must be housed with small and peaceful companions (Tetras, Rasboras, Otocinclus) and strictly isolated from competitive Loaches, biting Cichlids, or voracious dominant bottom species.

Aquarium Reproduction: Follows T-position courtship. Reacts to abundant changes of cold demineralized water by laying dozens of eggs on the glass or under large leaves (Anubias). Remove the eggs to prevent the breeding colony from devouring them.

Risks and Diseases: High risks of head bacteriosis in case of decurtation of the long barbels caused by unsuitable substrate. High lethality resulting from the massive use of anti-fungals based on Malachite Green.