Robust Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Rio Purus basin, a gigantic right tributary of the Amazon River in Brazil. The habitat is dominated by extensive lagoons, oxbow lakes, or very slow-flowing rivers, where the animal dominates sandy banks covered with mud and decaying plant remains.

Taxonomy and Morphology: As the specific epithet "robustus" suggests, it is among the absolute giants of the Callichthyidae family. Easily touches 8.5 - 9 cm (3.3-3.5 inches). In addition to the titanic body, it belongs to the long-snouted strain, boasting an elongated snout of a true excavator.

Social Behavior: Despite its grandeur, it is a very fearful fish and vulnerable to stress. Isolation or housing in pairs condemns it to grim apathy. It must strictly be inserted in large schools (6-10 specimens) to see it act with proud and calm determination.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Gray/pinkish body adorned with large broken blackish bars and a faded longitudinal band. Adult males develop a "banner" dorsal fin (disproportionate sail, high and slender), which makes them majestic and unmistakable compared to the huge rounded females.

Aquarium Setup: Huge tanks, given the size (minimum 120-150 liters for the school alone). High substrate and strictly in soft impalpable silica sand. Create vast shelters with Red Moor wood and shade abundantly to ward off exposure panic.

Diet and Feeding: Unstoppable "industrial" benthic carnivore. Demands proportionate volumes of food: highest quality bottom tablets, which must be vigorously alternated with massive doses of giant bloodworms, chopped krill, or large fresh earthworms.

Water Quality: Highly sensitive to pollutants despite its size. Neutral or weakly acidic pH (6.0 - 7.2), soft GH (2-12). The optimal temperature fluctuates between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). The accumulation of bacterial debris consumes its barbels: conspicuous and regular water changes are necessary.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Gentle giant. Suitable for large Amazonian biotopes with medium Tetras (Bleeding heart tetra, Congo), or peaceful Geophagus, provided they are not voracious predators that steal its vital feed.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely rare in the aquarium; it is supposed to follow the monsoon dynamics of the genus (drastic changes with cold RO water). The egg release, following a T-position, produces limited clutches subject to very high parental cannibalism.

Risks and Diseases: Fungal necrosis of the barbels on unsuitable bottoms (sharp quartz) is an atrocious death sentence. High lethality found in the incorrect use or high doses of chemical curatives (Copper and Malachite green).