Zawadzki's Corydoras

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the flowing waters of the Rio Aripuanã basin in Brazil. Found in streams with sandy substrate beds.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Family Callichthyidae. Armored with bony plates instead of scales. Possesses sensory barbels around the mouth. Grows to 5 cm.

Social Behavior: Active, peaceful, and highly social. Must be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to encourage natural foraging behavior.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a mottled dark pattern on a beige-grey background. Mature females are rounder and wider than males.

Aquarium Setup: Fine sand substrate is mandatory to protect their sensitive barbels. Decorate with smooth driftwood roots and caves for cover.

Diet and Feeding: Bottom-dwelling omnivore. Requires dedicated sinking tablets or pellets. Appreciates frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Keep pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and GH between 5 and 15. Keep substrate clean via regular siphonings to prevent infections.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Perfect for community aquariums. Compatible with small tetras, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful species.

Aquarium Breeding: Egg-layer. Eggs are stuck to plants or aquarium glass. Parents do not care for eggs; separate them for success.

Risks and Diseases: Highly sensitive to ammonia and nitrates. Coarse or sharp gravel will damage barbels, leading to fatal infections.