Three Stripe Corydoras (False Julii)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Central Amazon, mainly in the Ucayali River basin in Peru. True trilineatus live in calm streams and slow-flowing forest bays with dense leaf cover.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Three Stripe Corydoras (Corydoras trilineatus). They are constantly sold by mistake as "Corydoras julii" in shops. The Julii is very rare and has clearly isolated dots, the trilineatus has fused reticulated lines.

Social Behavior: Tireless patroller and lover of sociality (group of 6+ specimens). Highly peaceful. Often stations in groups against the walls lapped by the filter.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pearl gray / silvery body completely covered by a black tangle (maze/reticulation). The name "trilineatus" is due to the thick black horizontal line on the flanks, flanked by two light areas. Conspicuous dark spot on the dorsal fin.

Aquarium Setup: To be kept in large tanks (minimum 80 cm / 32 inches) offering extensive unplanted areas of VERY FINE SAND to rummage. Any sharp material is lethal. Many arched roots form excellent group hiding places.

Diet and Feeding: Voracious benthic, never to be fed only with leftovers. Diet based on heavy granules formulated for Loricariids and Corydoras, and vital integrations of freeze-dried/frozen brine shrimp or bloodworms.

Water Quality: Robust and durable over time if well acclimatized. Prefers stable Amazonian temperatures around 24-25°C (75-77°F) and suffers only from free ammonia (immature tanks).

Compatibility and Tankmates: No interspecific problems. Splendid in the company of Petitella georgiae (Rummy-nose Tetra), Paracheirodon innesi and Microgeophagus.

Aquarium Reproduction: En masse chasing of a single swollen female. Spawning (large single eggs attached between leaves and wood) triggered by substantial cool and oxygen-rich water changes.

Risks and Diseases: Total loss of barbels if sharp gravel is used, followed by starvation and death. Poisoning induced by pre-release stress if transported poorly from the shop.