Loreto Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Named after the Loreto province, in the Amazon basin of northeastern Peru, endemic to the Nanay River basin. Populates slow forest streams with distinct blackwater characteristics: sandy/silty bottoms covered with branches, amber water, and lots of shade.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belonging to the Callichthyidae family. Small-sized Corydoras, does not go beyond 4.5 cm (1.8 inches). It is part of the "short-snouted" corydoras group but presents an exceptionally steep and humped frontal profile and a towering dorsal fin, peculiarities that make it unique.

Social Behavior: The peculiar shape does not exempt it from the classic obligatory gregariousness. Tiny, shy, and harmless. It must be strictly housed in bottom swarms (minimum 6, ideally 10 or more specimens). Subjected to a small number it falls into irreversible asthenia.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Gray/whitish background densely scattered with fine dark spots, irregular but homogeneous. On the nape, it often has golden/pinkish nuances depending on its health. In addition to the more massive female size, the mature male often sports an extraordinarily high, "sail-like" dorsal fin.

Aquarium Setup: Hyper-delicate with its whiskers: it does not compromise from bottoms of impalpable and very fine sand. It enormously appreciates the "shade zones" generated by Echinodorus, ferns, and woody complexes on the bottom. It does not tolerate strong currents.

Diet and Feeding: Benthic omnivorous species. Considering the small size of the mouth, the diet must be studied: administer microgranules with a high rate of meat proteins, breaking the classic wafers. Inevitable live or frozen supply of Brine shrimp and microworms.

Water Quality: Weakly acidic waters, typical of the Rio Nanay: pH 6.0-7.2. Hardness GH 2-12. Tolerates the classic thermal interval 22-26°C (72-79°F). Highly susceptible to organic degradation, especially to nitrates accumulated under the sandy surface.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Wonderful, minute cleaner for small to medium-sized South American tanks. The ideal companions are mild-mannered Apistogramma or Nannacara, dwarf Tetras, Hatchetfish, and Otocinclus. Never mix with goldfish or wide-mouthed predators.

Aquarium Reproduction: Triggered in the aquarium by monsoon reproductions in T-position. Extremely difficult. Females distribute and attach transparent and tenacious eggs amidst tangles of Java Moss. Strong parental propensity towards cannibalism.

Risks and Diseases: Sharp gravels cause immediate fungal erosion of the short barbels making the fish anorexic and dying. Highly sensitive to Copper. Reacts disastrously to the preventive insertion of salt in the layout.