Two-Saddle Cory
Corydoras weitzmani
A rare jewel among Corydoras: cream body with two black 'saddle' patches on the back and green iridescence on the head. The pectoral fins bear intense orange rays — an unusual splash of color for the genus. Endemic to Peruvian streams. More demanding than common Corydoras: requires cool water (max 24 °C) and pristine conditions.
Water Temperature
22 - 25 °C
pH Value
6 - 7.5
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
6 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 60 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: 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.
Care, breeding and tankmates
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 Cohabitation: 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 Breeding: 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.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
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.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and GuianasEurope, Mediterranean, and West Asia
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- This is an incredibly peaceful and timid species that thrives in the company of its own kind. Corydoras weitzmani 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 weitzmani 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
- 3-5 years
- In captivity, under optimal care conditions with cool and well-oxygenated water, the Twosaddle Corydoras has a lifespan ranging from 3 to 5 years, though exceptionally well-maintained specimens can reach and exceed 6 years. The longevity of this species depends heavily on thermal stability and substrate hygiene. A prolonged rise in temperature above the recommended range can significantly shorten their lifespan.
- Adult size
- 6 cm
- This profile records an adult size of 6 cm. Use it to size the permanent habitat and choose compatible furnishings and cohabitants.
- Sex ratio
- Group
- A ratio of two or three males for every female is highly recommended, especially if breeding Corydoras weitzmani 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 weitzmani 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
- Low
- This species produces a relatively small bioload, typical of most Corydoras weitzmani 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
- Moderate
- 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 weitzmani. Ensure there are calmer resting areas where they can settle on the substrate without expending too much energy.
- Jump risk
- No
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Corydoras weitzmani 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
- Community
- Corydoras weitzmani 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 weitzmani 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.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
