Spilurus Corydoras

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to coastal river basins of Suriname and French Guiana in South America. Inhabits slow streams and sandy pools covered in organic debris.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belonging to the family Callichthyidae. Body armor consists of bony plates. Grows up to 6.0 cm.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and gregarious. Must be kept in a shoal of 6 or more. Spends daylight hours actively foraging on the substrate.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is speckled grey-brown with a darker patch near the tail fin base. Females are rounder and larger than males when viewed from above.

Aquarium Setup: An 80-liter tank with a soft sand bed is mandatory. Provide shelter using driftwood roots, rocks, and broad-leafed plants.

Diet and Feeding: Bottom-dwelling omnivore. Accepts sinking pellets, flakes, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Keep water temperature at 22-27 °C, pH at 6.5-7.5, and hardness at 5-15 dGH. Good filtration with moderate flow.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Perfect community fish. Good tankmates include other tetras, rasboras, and peaceful dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or large tankmates.

Aquarium Breeding: Spawns in a T-position. Spawning is triggered by large, cool water changes. Spawners should be removed after eggs are placed on glass or plants.

Risks and Diseases: Sharp substrate can erode their delicate barbels, leading to serious bacterial infections.