Blue Spotted Corydoras / Guianacara

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Northern South America, including the coastal basins of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Inhabits small clear woodland streams and shady oxbow lakes with abundant plant material on the bottom.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Black-Spotted Corydoras (Corydoras melanistius). Very similar to C. brevirostris, from which it is distinguished by the pattern of black spots and the shape of the dorsal spot.

Social Behavior: Peaceful, but often a little more skittish than other popular Corydoras (e.g. aeneus). Feels safe only if kept in large groups (minimum 6-8 specimens) in tanks full of shelters.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light livery heavily spotted with black. Distinguishing features are the deep black facial mask and the intense black band covering most of the dorsal fin and going down to the back. Females noticeably wider.

Aquarium Setup: A bottom of soft sand only is necessary. Twisted roots (e.g. Red Moor) covered with moss and dry leaves on the bottom (oak, chestnut) create the vital hiding places to limit its stress.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous digger. Its diet in nature is based on insects and worms hidden in the sand. In the aquarium provide sinking feeds, live/frozen tubifex and brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Prefers soft to moderately hard, well-oxygenated waters. Suffers immediately from high nitrates; frequent water changes are recommended.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect for quiet communities of small South American fish such as Characins (Neons, pristella), hatchetfish (Carnegiella) and Apistogramma, paying attention to the territories on the bottom.

Aquarium Reproduction: Breeding in captivity possible but not frequent. The adhesive eggs are attached to broad leaves or directly to the glass, usually where there is the most water current.

Risks and Diseases: Secondary fungal infections caused by the excoriation of the barbels on unsuitable bottoms or sharp siliceous crushed stone.