Tukano Cory
Corydoras tukano
Closely related to the 'adolfoi' group, it sports a mask, black dorsal bar and two distinct additional spots. It is a delicate endemic of pristine blackwaters.
Water Temperature
22 - 26 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.2
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
4.5 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 80 L
Minimum group
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
1 - 6 dKH
TDS
40 - 240 ppm
Conductivity
63 - 375 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: 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.
Care, breeding and tankmates
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 Cohabitation: 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 Breeding: 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.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
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.
Origin
Extra-Amazon South AmericaNorth America
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- This is an incredibly peaceful and timid species that thrives in the company of its own kind. Corydoras tukano should be kept in groups of at least six individuals to feel secure and display their natural, endearing behaviors. When kept alone or in too small a group, they can become highly stressed, lethargic, and prone to illness.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- As omnivorous bottom feeders, Corydoras tukano requires a varied diet that sinks to the substrate. High-quality sinking pellets or wafers should form the staple of their diet. Supplementing with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia will ensure optimal health and encourage natural foraging behaviors.
- Life expectancy
- 5-10 years
- In captivity, this species has an estimated average lifespan of 5 to 10 years if maintained in stable and mature aquariums. They are sensitive to nitrate accumulation and sudden changes in water chemistry. Using an oversized biological filter and performing frequent but small water changes is key to ensuring their longevity.
- Adult size
- 4.5 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 4.5 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 4.14 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Corydoras tukano (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 ratio of two or three males for every female is highly recommended, especially if breeding Corydoras tukano is the goal. Males are generally smaller and more slender than the plumper, rounder females. Maintaining a proper sex ratio ensures higher fertilization rates during the spawning process.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Corydoras tukano should be fed small amounts once or twice a day, providing only what they can consume within a few minutes. Because they are nocturnal foragers by nature, dropping some food in just before the aquarium lights go out can be highly beneficial. Avoid overfeeding to maintain excellent water quality.
- Bioload
- This species produces a relatively small bioload, typical of most Corydoras tukano species. Their efficient scavenging behavior can actually help keep the substrate clean, reducing the overall accumulation of detritus. Regular water changes and a properly sized filter will easily manage the waste they produce.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- These catfish prefer moderate water flow that provides adequate oxygenation without creating overpowering currents. A setup that mimics a slow-moving South American stream is ideal for Corydoras tukano. Ensure there are calmer resting areas where they can settle on the substrate without expending too much energy.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Corydoras tukano in captivity can be achieved by simulating the onset of the rainy season with cooler water changes. The female will carry a few eggs in a pouch formed by her pelvic fins and deposit them on broad leaves or the aquarium glass. The parents exhibit no parental care and will eagerly consume the eggs if not separated.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Corydoras tukano is a peaceful and highly sociable schooling fish that makes an excellent addition to community aquariums. They do best when kept with other small, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. It is crucial to avoid housing them with large or aggressive bottom-dwellers that might outcompete them for food or stress them out.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- Like other Corydoras, Corydoras tukano are quintessential bottom dwellers, spending almost all of their time sifting through the substrate in search of food. They require a soft, sandy bottom to prevent damage to their sensitive barbels. Occasionally, they will make quick dashes to the surface to take in atmospheric air, a completely normal behavior.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 3 ± 0.4 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.01778, b = 3.02
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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