Pretty Corydoras
Corydoras pulcher
Majestic and imposing (pulcher = beautiful), this long-snouted callichthyid boasts 2 or 3 marked dark horizontal stripes on a silvery body crossed by light spots.
Water Temperature
22 - 26 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.2
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
5.5 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 100 L
Minimum group
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
50 - 280 ppm
Conductivity
78 - 438 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: South America, widespread in the basin of the upper course of the Rio Purus in Brazil. The species loves to populate small forest rivers and temporary ponds, characterized by almost non-existent currents, thick darkness guaranteed by foliage, and substrates soaked in very fine silt.
Taxonomy and Morphology: From the Latin "pulcher" (beautiful). Robust Corydoras of modest dimensions (5.5 cm / 2.2 inches) belonging to the long-snouted group. Formidable detritivorous hunter, equipped with pronounced barbels.
Social Behavior: Reserved but tireless worker. Bred in a large school (minimum 6-8 fish) it unstoppably spends its daytime and nighttime hours literally plunging its head entirely into the substrate. Isolated, it goes into total decay.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Extremely attractive "striped" livery: light or pinkish base broken by 3 or 4 distinctly parallel blackish stripes along the flanks. Possesses the unmistakable "dorsal blotch" (black dorsal spot) and the eye mask. Adult females recognizable by their massive barrel-like build.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Mandatory and indispensable very fine sand (non-sharp silica) due to extreme digging habits. Structure shady refuges with half coconuts or interwoven woods (Manila), shielding bright lights with some catappa.
Diet and Feeding: Habitual hunter of benthic worms. Often disdains flakes. To be fed essentially with good protein bottom tablets associated with generous doses of bloodworms, tubifex, and white worms, both live and frozen (to be rinsed).
Water Quality: Loves soft and idyllic water conditions: GH 2-12, neutral/sub-acidic pH (6.0 - 7.2). Ideal temperatures travel between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). The animal perishes almost instantly if exposed to prolonged peaks of ammonia or putrefied bottoms.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent guest for typical Amazonian tanks in harmony. Splendid flanked by thick schools of small Tetras, dwarf Cichlids, and quiet Loricariids. Strictly forbidden dominant Cichlids and voracious eating Clown Loaches.
Aquarium Breeding: Inducible as for most of the family with massive cold thermal shocks. Couples lay a few wide adhesive eggs among fine-leaved vegetation or against the glass in the current. Separation of parents is necessary to evade cannibalism.
Risks and Diseases: If housed on rough gravel, the mechanical devastation of the snout and barbels will cause a slow agony. Incompatible and extremely sensitive (lethal) to drugs with active ingredients based on Malachite Green or Copper.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
South America, widespread in the basin of the upper course of the Rio Purus in Brazil. The species loves to populate small forest rivers and temporary ponds, characterized by almost non-existent currents, thick darkness guaranteed by foliage, and substrates soaked in very fine silt.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South America
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Corydoras pulcher is exceedingly peaceful and sociable, making them a favorite among community tank enthusiasts. They show absolutely no aggression towards other fish species and prefer to go about their daily foraging undisturbed. They are highly gregarious and derive comfort from the presence of their own kind, frequently resting and moving together as a unified group. Isolation can cause them immense stress, resulting in hiding and refusing to eat.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Corydoras pulcher are omnivorous bottom feeders that require a varied diet to thrive in captivity. A high-quality sinking pellet or wafer specifically formulated for bottom dwellers should form the staple of their daily meals. They also greatly benefit from regular offerings of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. It is important to ensure that food reaches the bottom before being consumed by mid-water fish so they do not go hungry.
- Life expectancy
- 5-10 years
- The Pulcher Cory is a long-lived catfish that can survive for 5 to 10 years in captivity with proper care. Their lifespan is maximized by maintaining stable, high-quality water conditions with low levels of nitrates. Providing a varied, high-quality diet and a stress-free environment are also key factors in their longevity. A soft, sandy substrate will prevent barbel damage and subsequent infections, helping them live a full, healthy life.
- Adult size
- 5.5 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 5.5 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 5 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Corydoras pulcher (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- School
- A recommended sex ratio for Corydoras pulcher, especially if breeding is desired, is two or three males for every female. This mimics their natural breeding groups and increases the chances of successful fertilization of the eggs. In a standard display tank, exact ratios are less critical as long as they are kept in a sufficiently large shoal of six or more. Having more males ensures that the female is constantly courted during the breeding cycle.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Feeding Corydoras pulcher one or two times a day is generally sufficient to maintain their health and vitality. Care should be taken to provide only what they can actively consume within three to five minutes to prevent water fouling. If kept in a community setup with aggressive surface feeders, it may be beneficial to feed them after lights out. Observing their belly fullness can help determine if the feeding frequency and amounts are appropriate.
- Bioload
- Corydoras pulcher produces a moderate bioload, making them excellent candidates for community tanks. Their efficient scavenging habits actually help maintain water quality by consuming uneaten food that would otherwise decay. Despite their modest size, a school of six or more does contribute somewhat to the tank's waste output. Regular water changes and adequate filtration are still necessary to keep the bioload manageable and nitrate levels low.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- This species prefers gentle to moderate water flow that mimics the slow-moving streams and tributaries of various South American river basins. Excessive flow can cause unnecessary stress and fatigue, as they are not built for constant swimming against strong currents. A well-placed sponge filter or a canister filter with a spray bar can provide the ideal balance of filtration and gentle water movement. Oxygenation remains important, so ensuring surface agitation without overpowering the bottom areas is key.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Corydoras pulcher can be achieved in a dedicated breeding setup with cool water changes used to trigger spawning behavior. The females are typically larger and more robust, scattering adhesive eggs onto broad-leaved plants, aquarium glass, or spawning mops. Once spawning is complete, the adult fish should be removed to prevent them from eating the eggs. The fry hatch after a few days and require very small live foods like microworms or freshly hatched brine shrimp.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- These peaceful catfish are highly compatible with a wide variety of community fish. They do exceptionally well with small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids that inhabit the middle and upper levels of the aquarium. Aggressive or large bottom-dwelling species should be avoided as they may bully the Corydoras pulcher or outcompete them for food. Keeping them in groups of at least six of their own kind is vital for their sense of security.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- Corydoras pulcher are strictly bottom dwellers, spending almost the entirety of their day sifting through the substrate in search of food. They require a soft, sandy substrate to prevent damage to their delicate barbels, which are essential for sensing their environment. While they occasionally dart to the surface to take in a breath of atmospheric air, they immediately return to the bottom. Decor elements like caves, driftwood, and low-lying plants provide them with much-needed resting spots.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 2.9 ± 0.3 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.02455, b = 3
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
