Spectabilis Cory
Corydoras spectabilis
A breathtaking jewel (spectabilis = noteworthy). The dark brown-golden body is covered by a very dense network of mottling and light holographic scales, creating a hypnotic color pattern.
Water Temperature
22 - 26 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
6 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 80 L
Minimum group
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
50 - 280 ppm
Conductivity
78 - 438 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Originating from the Guaporé River basin in Brazil. Populates slow-flowing rivers, forest streams, and floodplains, living constantly in contact with the sandy substrate rich in silt and leaves.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Spectacular Corydoras (Corydoras spectabilis). A Corydoras with a stocky profile and a short skull. Its scientific name ("spectacular") alludes to the exceptional reticulated pattern covering its entire armored body.
Social Behavior: Of an exquisitely gregarious and peaceful nature. Must be kept in schools of at least 6 or more specimens. Their continuous and frantic search for food on the bottom is hypnotic and beneficial for sand aeration.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pinkish-beige background covered by a dense vermicular network of iridescent gray-blue lines and dots, without the classic black blindfold or obvious isolated spots. Gravid females are very round and robust.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Spacious 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank. A fine and rounded sand bottom is imperative. Planted areas (Echinodorus) alternating with open spaces for foraging and natural shelters formed by roots and halved coconuts.
Diet and Feeding: Tireless omnivore. Feeds by scavenging on the bottom. Offer a varied diet: bottom tablets (with spirulina and fishmeal), daphnia, brine shrimp, and frozen meaty prey (bloodworms) for healthy growth.
Water Quality: Requires mature filtration and bottoms free of anoxic pockets. Adaptable to pH ranges (6.0-7.5) and medium hardness (GH 2-12). Tolerates high nitrate concentrations less than others, which damage the barbels.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Fits perfectly into peaceful communities of small to medium Characins and Cyprinids. Can peacefully coexist with other bottom catfish if the tank offers enough space for everyone.
Aquarium Breeding: Typical Corydoras breeder: temperature drops stimulate mating in the "T" position. They scatter adhesive eggs usually on the front glass or along the pump flow. Uncaring parents.
Risks and Diseases: Traumatic erosion and infection of the barbels on sharp bottoms or in poorly sanitized tanks are the main problems. They do not tolerate salt-based treatments and copper compounds (snail killers).
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Originating from the Guaporé River basin in Brazil. Populates slow-flowing rivers, forest streams, and floodplains, living constantly in contact with the sandy substrate rich in silt and leaves.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South America
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Corydoras spectabilis is exceptionally peaceful and highly social in nature. They must be kept in groups of at least six individuals to thrive. In proper schools, they are confident and constantly active across the bottom.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- The diet of Corydoras spectabilis primarily features benthic organisms and small detritus. In captivity, they eagerly eat sinking pellets and high-quality bottom-feeder wafers. Live foods like bloodworms and daphnia should be offered for optimal health.
- Life expectancy
- 5-10 years
- The Spectabilis Cory enjoys a lifespan of 5 to 10 years in captivity under proper care and stable conditions. To ensure their longevity, it is essential to keep the substrate clean and maintain stable water parameters. Regular water changes and a stress-free environment are key factors in maximizing their lifespan in a home aquarium.
- Adult size
- 6 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 6 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 4.9 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Corydoras spectabilis (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- Specific M:F ratio
- A specific sex ratio is unnecessary for the general community keeping of Corydoras spectabilis. For dedicated breeding, a ratio of two males per female is optimal. Females are visibly rounder and broader, while males are slender.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Corydoras spectabilis one or two times daily in moderate portions. Ensure the food reaches the substrate before mid-water fish consume it all. Feeding just before lights out helps them forage peacefully without stress.
- Bioload
- The bioload of Corydoras spectabilis is relatively low compared to larger tank mates. Since they are schooling fish, their combined waste can accumulate over time. Consistent filtration and weekly water changes are necessary for maintaining clean water.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- Corydoras spectabilis prefers a moderate water flow that replicates gentle Amazonian streams. This circulation thoroughly oxygenates the water and prevents detritus accumulation. Calm resting zones should also be provided for relaxation.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Corydoras spectabilis in an aquarium is highly achievable with proper conditioning. Spawning is typically triggered by a large, slightly cooler water change. The female then deposits adhesive eggs on aquarium glass or broad plant leaves.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- In terms of compatibility, Corydoras spectabilis is extremely peaceful and ideal for community setups. They coexist perfectly with small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. Large, aggressive bottom-dwellers must be avoided to prevent undue competition.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- As obligate bottom-dwellers, Corydoras spectabilis spends the vast majority of its time on the substrate. They constantly search for food by sifting fine sand with their sensitive barbels. They occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 2.9 ± 0.3 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.02455, b = 3
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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