Two-Saddle Cory

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Vilcanota River system in the Madre de Dios River basin in Peru. Found at high altitudes, it inhabits flowing waters that are cooler than the Amazonian average, rich in rocks and transitional vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Two-Saddle Corydoras (Corydoras weitzmani). Named in honor of ichthyologist Stanley H. Weitzman. A species described late and which remained a highly sought-after rarity for decades.

Social Behavior: Very strong gregariousness; a school of at least 6 units is recommended. They have a marked exploratory nature, rummaging continuously but retreating if the lights are too bright.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Unique and unmistakable pattern: pinkish-white or beige background crossed by two massive vertical black "saddles" (spots). The first passes over the nape/eye, the second over the central flank. Slender and small males.

Aquarium Setup: Requires cooler waters, therefore often kept in unheated tanks if the house is 22-23°C (71-73°F). The bottom in ceramized quartz sand (rounded) or river sand is mandatory.

Diet and Feeding: Easy to manage omnivorous benthic. Hungry and vital, it consumes specific pellets alternated with freeze-dried (brine shrimp, tubifex) or fresh/frozen feeds.

Water Quality: Very tolerant of water values if oxygenation (use an aerator or good surface turbulence) and thermal freshness are maintained. Fears prolonged temperatures over 26°C (79°F).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal tankmate for South American hill stream fish or subtropical tanks (with Corydoras paleatus or Gymnocorymbus ternetzi). Absolutely not suitable for hot Discus tanks.

Aquarium Reproduction: Rather reluctant to reproduce unless induced by massive thermal shocks with very cold water, which imitate melting snow or heavy high-altitude rains.

Risks and Diseases: Suffers from respiratory collapse if placed in classic tropical tanks at 28°C (82°F) for a prolonged time.