Spotted Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Originating from the Suriname river basin and adjacent rivers in the Republic of Suriname. Assiduous populator of shaded streams, channels with lethargic outflow and submerged forest areas, tirelessly sounding the muddy substrates rich in debris and microfauna.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Corydoras of the Callichthyidae family. The "type species" of the Corydoras genus, described since 1794. Standard size (5.5 cm / 2.2 inches), compact profile, short snout and the typical impenetrable bone armor with overlapping plates along the flanks.

Social Behavior: Joyful, tireless and absolutely gregarious temperament. Ironclad condition for detention is the constitution of groups of no less than 6 units. Solitary perishes from stress; in a group it probes every stone in the tank raising small clouds of sand.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Beige-cream background finely studded ("punctatus") with black and minute widespread micro-dots. The main feature is the very conspicuous black spot extended over almost the entire upper part of the dorsal fin. Obvious dimorphism in swollen females, against slender males.

Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 60 liters dedicated to the school. The use of fine inert sand like talc is mandatory (any lava/angular rock will destroy it). Provide darkened shelters with large weaves of Red Moor Wood and a bed of decaying dead leaves (Catappa).

Diet and Feeding: Highly voracious carnivorous micro-scavenger. Requires robust diets based on sinking tablets and wafers (not algae), constantly enriched and alternated with gluttonous live or thawed snacks: giant bloodworms, microworms, tubifex and mysis.

Water Quality: Thermal range stabilized between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). Tolerant, but prefers neutral or slightly acidic neo-tropical water (pH 6.0 - 7.2) and low hardness (GH 2-12). A massive biological filter will avoid oxygen drops and ammonia accumulations fatal for him.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Harmless inhabitant perfect for gentle multi-specific communities. No restrictions on flanking with Characidae (Neons, Cardinals), Loricariids (Ancistrus) and Apistogramma. Strictly forbidden to insert Clown Loaches or large burrowing cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Reachable by mimicking the abundant Amazonian rains through sudden cold osmotic changes. The "T-shaped" fertilization guarantees the scattered deposition of resistant eggs adhering to plants and glass. Categorically move the breeders to suppress their cannibalistic instinct.

Risks and Diseases: Alarming sensitivity to the abrasion of the barbels (with consequent fatal septicemia) if housed on gravel or limestone beds. They present a very high incidence of lethal adverse reactions to prophylaxis in the tank based on Malachite green.