Rabaut's Corydoras / Rust Corydoras

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Watercourses and rivers of the upper Amazon basin (Brazil, Peru). Often found in marginal pools, muddy channels and flooded areas with low flow.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Rabaut's Corydoras (Corydoras rabauti). Very similar to C. zygatus, but C. rabauti has a more "rust" or bright orange base coloration, especially in the lower part.

Social Behavior: Essentially gregarious and non-aggressive. If not kept in a school (6 or more), it falls into lethargy. In a group they patrol the early morning hours and dusk in a ceaseless search for nutrients.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Rust-orange or bright brownish body crossed by a wide and thick lead-colored (almost black) band running longitudinally from the neck to the tail. Males are more slender.

Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 80 cm (32 inches). Mandatory use of sand (no coarse substrates). Recreate shelters with coconuts, large branched roots and a good layer of floating vegetation.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous scavenger par excellence. Consumes debris, small particles of uneaten flakes, pellets and tablets. A weekly integration of frozen or live food (tubifex) is necessary.

Water Quality: Robust species tolerant to broad spectra of pH and GH, provided that hygiene conditions are impeccable (very low nitrates, total absence of ammonia).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal fish for any community aquarium. Cohabits beautifully with Characins (Tetras), peaceful Loricariids, Guppies and Platies (if values allow) and dwarf Cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: Occurs according to the normal Corydoras process: stimulus with a cold water change, fertilization and adhesive spawning. Peculiarity of this species: the young are born unpigmented and then gradually darken.

Risks and Diseases: Very resistant to common diseases, the only real threats are barbels worn out by sharp stones and toxic stagnation of feces in unsiphoned gravel.