Pretty Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: 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 lethargic 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.

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 Tankmates: 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 Reproduction: 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.