Saramacca Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Exclusive endemism of the Rio Saramacca in Suriname, from which it takes its name. Prefers the quiet shady channels of the Amazonian "blackwater", full of sandy debris and soggy wood, under currents mitigated by a very dense vault of floating forest.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Proud Callichthyidae of excellent size (average 6 centimeters / 2.4 inches). Morphologically framed in the "long-snouted", it develops a distinctively arrow-like frontal silhouette, ideal for energetically insinuating itself into the dense mud layers of the bottom.

Social Behavior: Without the indispensable comfort of the school (formed by a biological minimum of 6-8 members) the fish goes into apathetic consumption. In a thick group it rhythmically and joyfully patrols the sand, pushing its head into the substrate up to its eyes.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Iridescent cream base color spotted by a very dense black punctiform swarm on the snout and forehead. It is adorned with a clear black spot at the base of the dorsal fin, as well as blurred "barred" streaks along the body and tail. Adult females markedly stocky, wide and spherical.

Aquarium Setup: Inflexible law of Corydoras: only very fine river sand. The barbels would be fatally corroded by any other bottom. Abound in intricate dark woods and insert large decaying leaves (Catappa/oak) for optimal light shielding.

Diet and Feeding: Incessant carnivorous-benthic explorer. Dry food based on crushed wafers must absolutely give way to a tri-weekly live or frozen support: giant daphnia, robust bloodworms and juicy brine shrimp nauplii dispensed before turning off the lights.

Water Quality: High sensitivity to ammoniacal accumulations. Parameters: temperate and stable at 22-26°C (72-79°F), tolerant to a weakly acidic or neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.2. A low or moderate hardness (GH 2-12) and scrupulous maintenance with regular micro-siphonings are indispensable.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Model species for large "soft" South American community aquariums. Ignores ethereal fish such as Carnegiella, schools of Tetras (Rummy nose, Neons) or quiet dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma). Combinations with voracious Loaches or massive turbulent Cichlids are highly unrecommended.

Aquarium Reproduction: Difficult: stimulated only with "monsoon" shocks created with large swings of cool RO and hyper-protein diets. Rare deposition after a fleeting "T" mating. Prevent furious cannibalism by suddenly removing the adults or detaching the eggs.

Risks and Diseases: Deadly devastation of the long facial sensors if kept on inappropriate crushed stone, generating fatal necrosis. Very high lethality found during exposure in the aquarium to copper treatments or full concentrations of Malachite Green.