Broad Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Rio Beni in Bolivia, western Amazon basin. Inhabits shallow forest streams and oxbows with very clear but tannin-stained waters (blackwater), characterized by weak water flow and sandy/silty bottoms covered with sunken logs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: From the Latin "latus" (wide). Belongs to the Callichthyidae family. Moderate-sized Corydoras (5.5 cm / 2.2 inches), distinguished by a markedly massive profile, compact body, and extremely tall in the proximal area compared to other species.

Social Behavior: Keeping singles or pairs always results in wasting. Being a peaceful and defenseless animal, it needs to live and forage in a homogeneous school (minimum 6-8), establishing labile hierarchies based simply on precedence over food.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light livery. Fine and irregular blackish spots cloak the snout and body. A large black "saddle" wraps the base of the dorsal fin, often widening to the back, while an orbital mask crosses the eye. Males significantly less paunchy than reproductive females.

Aquarium Setup: A zero-sharp-edge substrate is essential, preferably fine cosmetic sand. Set up cavernous dens with half coconuts or branched wood (Mangrove, Red Moor). A good layer of dead leaves guarantees visual security.

Diet and Feeding: Rooting micro-carnivore. Chronic refusal of food may indicate intolerance to dry-only diets (flakes): it demands deep feeding via sinking pellets and frequent integrations of live or pre-soaked freeze-dried bloodworms.

Water Quality: Demands well-matured and stable water environments. Temperature between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). Soft water (GH 2-12) and a moderately acidic-neutral pH (6.0 - 7.2). The organic degradation of the tank will cause asphyxia and fin clamping in a short time.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Wonderful member for peaceful medium-sized South American tanks. Shares the water column without any hesitation with dwarf Apistogramma, schools of Tetras (Nannostomus, Carnegiella) and peaceful glass cleaners (Otocinclus). Voracious Cichlids would totally inhibit it.

Aquarium Reproduction: Very rare in the trade. Driven by generous cold changes with monsoon thermal drops. During the tight "T" courtship, the highly adhesive eggs are distributed on broad leaves or in high-current areas. Marked tendency towards cannibalism.

Risks and Diseases: Lethal danger resulting from granular bottoms: the breaking of the barbels annihilates its sensory capabilities for hunting, condemning it to asthenia. It bears the concentrations of Malachite Green used in Ich treatments badly.