Tukano Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Recently discovered species, native to the Rio Tiquié basin, tributary of the Rio Uaupés in Brazil. They populate the so-called "igarapés" and streams of very dark highly acidic water (blackwater), covered by the jungle and saturated with rotting plant accumulations.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Superb dwarf Corydoras (hardly exceeds 4.5 cm / 1.8 inches) described for the first time in 2004. Named in honor of the indigenous Tukano populations. Stocky, compact morphology, of the "short-snouted" group with a round and short snout.

Social Behavior: Due to its modest size, the gregarious spirit is maximized: if exposed to loneliness it enters catalepsy induced by terror. Must coexist in dense colonies (10-15 specimens) offering spectacular exploratory parades on leaves and on the substrate.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The name suggests the wonderful pattern ("tukano"): light base on which stand out 3 powerful blackish geometric saddles (eye mask, immense central saddle down to the belly, caudal saddle). Thin and slender males, very paunchy and prominent females.

Aquarium Setup: Dark, amber water, made impenetrable by the mass presence of peat or mixed botanicals (Catappa). Mandatory the exclusive use of fine sand to safeguard the short barbels, and abundant presence of smooth branched roots acting as a canopy.

Diet and Feeding: Very voracious nocturnal digger but equipped with a small mouth. Adapts to crushed tablets, but never reaches peaks of dazzling form if deprived of the constant addition (3-4 times a week) of daphnia, white worms, and microscopic red larvae (cyclops).

Water Quality: Extremely sensitive and intolerant: the pH must be stabilized on acidic tones (6.0 - 7.0), and the water must have negligible carbonate hardness (GH 2-10). The temperature travels between 22 and 26°C (72-79°F). If nitrates take off or the water loses oxygen, sudden death occurs.

Compatibility and Tankmates: A jewel for layouts dedicated to "micro-fish". Must be imperatively associated with very small and slow species: Boraras, Ember tetras, Nannostomus, and peaceful Micro-cichlids. Inserting it together with Loaches or large food devourers means condemning it to starvation.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely stingy in captivity. It is attempted by simulating rainwater with the addition of very cold RO for 3 days in a row. The classic "T" fertilization takes place, followed by the laying of rare and large eggs. Cannibalism forces the removal of the breeders.

Risks and Diseases: Does not forgive thermal shocks and organic pollutants, to which it responds with lethal opacity of the fins. The short snout is subject to destructive atrophy on calcareous or angular bottoms. Never ever insert copper or saline drugs without severely halving the dosage.