Miguelito Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Species discovered in Peru in the Ucayali river basin. Happily resides in darkened slow-current forest meanders, dominated by intricate substrates formed of sludges, impalpable sand, and putrefying dry leaves that dye the waters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Callichthyidae identified commercially also as Corydoras "Miguelito". It is a short-snouted corydoras, very compact but with a proud build (about 5.5 cm / 2.2 inches). Has large bony shields on its flanks that masterfully armor it.

Social Behavior: The gregarious nature of the bottom explorer is brutally annihilated in case of loneliness. Prescribes very substantial swarms (at least 6-8 members) necessary to evade ancestral fears for predators. Mainly active in the evening and at dusk.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Pinkish-beige background dominated by two huge black "saddles" or "slashes" (wide bands): a showy band completely covers the head and eye (mask) and the other, massive and irregular, decorates the back to the caudal. Females significantly dilated on the abdomen.

Aquarium Setup: The abrasion of sharp silica bottoms and quartz is absolutely banned under penalty of amputation of the barbels. Build complex forts of trunks (Manila/Jati) and lay generous portions of catappa on the bottom to guarantee a suitable and protected habitat.

Diet and Feeding: Eminently carnivorous detritivorous hunter. Should be fed when lights are struggling to favor finding. Protein-based tablets must be combined with periodic rations (3 a week) of live food: giant tubifex and large mosquito larvae (bloodworms).

Water Quality: Requires standard climatic ranges (22-26°C / 72-79°F). On chemistry it demands low levels of hardness (GH 2-12) and weakly acidic-neutral water (pH 6.0-7.2). Well oversized filters and very light siphonings remove the insidious danger of the ammonia peak that asphyxiates it.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Extremely tolerant with anyone: lives in perfect crosses with schools of South American Rasboras, Nannostomus, and quiet algae-eating Loricariids. Exclude the concomitant presence of large burrowing cichlids and very voracious large oriental loaches.

Aquarium Reproduction: Occasional trial induced by very strong thermal drops (cold RO rains). Deposition takes place in T-position generating very rare, large and robust eggs. Isolate all organic material on which they lay in an incubation tank given the marked autophagy.

Risks and Diseases: Whiskers reduced to the bone lead to progressive fungal malnutrition if hosted on incorrect bottoms. Manifests enormous intolerance and lethality in case of shock cures with Copper or Salt derivatives: halve and operate with moderation.