Orphnopterus Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Native to Ecuador, Rio Pastaza basin (upper Amazon basin). This species inhabits Andean forest streams with clear, gently flowing waters, well provided with areas with thick shade provided by the lush forest canopy.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Corydoras belonging to the "long-snouted" group. Has significant dimensions (average 6 cm / 2.4 inches). The aerodynamic and prolonged structure of the head indicates that the animal pushes its head deep into the mud to track down earthworms in nature.

Social Behavior: Innate tranquility typical of the genus. Categorically requires foraging and exploration in schools of at least 6-8 members: alone or in pairs they develop strong phobias and completely stop feeding during the day.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: "Orphnopterus" (dark-finned) livery: silver/cream base coloration with a spectacular network of black dots. Typical dark saddle extending along the back that almost entirely invests the powerful dorsal fin. Very large females, true "barrels" when seen from above.

Aquarium Setup: Only very fine river sand/spherical quartz is permitted, given the deep digging of its snout. Dim light setups (vallisneria, floating broad-leaved plants) are mandatory to shield the animal and let it dominate the space.

Diet and Feeding: Greedy worm hunter. Specific sinking feeds must be supplemented by conspicuous doses of high-altitude live or frozen food: giant bloodworms, white worms, and daphnia. It feeds by actively "blowing" the sand from its gills.

Water Quality: Accustomed to standard tropical ranges (22-26°C / 72-79°F), it demands Amazonian chemistry: weakly acidic/neutral pH (6.0 - 7.2) and very low hardness (GH 2-12). Suffers terribly from high nitrite loads and organic pollution which lead to fin clamping.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal pairing in biotopes of moderate pelagic tetras, or Apistogramma that do not fiercely contend for the scarce resources of the bottom. Highly not recommended to expose it to dominant Loaches and voracious giant-sized loricariids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Event that rewards only those who know how to create the exact monsoon simulation (violent cold osmotic-based changes and live food storms). T-reproductive position; they hatch large single adhesive eggs. Very high parental cannibalism.

Risks and Diseases: In the case of a sharp granular substrate, the elongated snout is the victim of frightening necrosis, causing total eating inability. Lethal reactions confirmed to heavy dosages of Copper (Cu) based preparations.