Seuss's Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Belongs to the pristine hydrographic basin of the Rio Mamoré, in Brazil. Demanding Amazonian species that prefers small shady rivers with feeble currents, with deep or clear "blackwater", and where the sandy substrate meets immense deposits of botanical material.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Famous species of the "long-snouted" morphological group. Touches 6.5 centimeters (2.5 inches); the complex aerodynamic cranial structure, designed to cleave thick sand in search of macroinvertebrates, sets it apart from its identical short-snouted counterpart, C. gossei.

Social Behavior: Essentially peaceful and methodical forager. The school does not compromise: it imperatively requires the breeding of at least 6-8 individuals, since group cohesion is its only natural defense against chronic and lethargic panic.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Extraordinary ornate livery: golden coppery body with snout completely covered by sinuous "maze-like" or reticulated micro-streaks. Absolute protagonists the first pectoral and ventral spines colored with a bright and proud neon orange. Females remarkably round if laden with eggs.

Aquarium Setup: Soft bottom (very fine river sand) is an essential law for the health of its drilling snout. Appreciates a lush vegetation of lateral Echinodorus and complex roofs formed by intricate branches to reassure it with soft light.

Diet and Feeding: Powerful micro-hunter. To guarantee the bright orange color of the spines it requires a lively and energetic diet: crushed protein wafers must strictly alternate with abundant dinners, dropped on the bottom, of large red bloodworms and brine shrimp dropped in the dark.

Water Quality: Sensitive to qualitative decays like any Amazonian: zero tolerance to nitrites. Recommended values: Temperature 22-26°C (72-79°F). The neutral/sub-acidic pH must gravitate around 6.0 - 7.2, with a low or medium hardness (GH 2-12). Constant but careful siphonings.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Magnificent community fish if accompanied by serene mid-sized Tetras (Cardinals, Rummy nose) or peaceful Cichlids (Apistogramma). It becomes the sacrificial victim (dies of consumption) if flanked by giant Loricariids aggressive on food or impetuous territorial cichlids.

Aquarium Reproduction: To induce it, it is vital to cool the water simulating massive precipitations with RO and feed abundantly with fats (live food). The T-position mating produces a few thick eggs on the glass. Immediate isolation of the same under penalty of the parental predatory instinct.

Risks and Diseases: The prolonged barbels will encounter an inexorable fungal ruin on sharp and gravelly bottoms. Very strong susceptibility to lethal ammonia surges and to in-tank treatments containing Malachite green, Salt, or Copper.