False Bandit Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Tributaries of the Vaupés River (Colombia, Brazil). Populations of C. melini inhabit shaded streams in forest areas featuring soft, acidic waters (blackwater) and muddy bottoms loaded with tannins.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Bandit Corydoras (Corydoras melini). Apparently very similar to C. metae, but distinguished from it because the black band crosses the body diagonally, reaching the LOWER part of the caudal peduncle.

Social Behavior: Very gregarious species. Becomes incredibly shy and susceptible if kept in small numbers. The ideal group should have 6-8 specimens, guaranteeing fascinating schooling dynamics.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Sand-gray body, clear black "bandit" mask over the eye. The key element is the thick oblique black stripe that starts from the dorsal and goes down towards the tail. Females are noticeably more robust than males.

Aquarium Setup: A mature tank is fundamental. The substrate must imperatively be non-calcareous fine sand. A setup with dim lights, floaters and lots of roots and wood faithfully reflects the habitat.

Diet and Feeding: Benthic micro-predators. Absolutely omnivorous: they feed by extracting tiny invertebrates from the sand. Feed with enriched bottom tablets and plenty of bloodworms, tubifex or brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Specifically requires soft (low GH) and acidic water, unlike the more commercial corydoras species which are not picky. Nitrates must remain as close to zero as possible.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Perfect with soft, acidic water fish such as Cardinal Tetras, Nannostomus, Carnegiella strigata and Dwarf Cichlids (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi). Big or nervous tankmates are not recommended.

Aquarium Reproduction: Triggered by a drastic drop in temperature (changes of 30-40% with cold water). The parents, typical of Corydoras, will devour the sticky eggs and should be removed after spawning.

Risks and Diseases: Species sensitive to barbel wear (leading to starvation) and acute handling stress, which can cause the release of toxins.