Northern Cory
Corydoras septentrionalis
Slender and graceful Venezuelan Cory. Metallic greenish livery, with a diffuse and dense dark dotting that thickens to form indistinct dark spots on the caudal peduncle.
Température de l’eau
22 - 26 °C
Valeur du pH
6 - 7.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
5,5 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 80 L
Groupe minimal
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
50 - 280 ppm
Conductivité
78 - 438 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the northern Orinoco River basin, between Venezuela and Colombia (hence "septentrionalis" = northern). Inhabits quiet river oxbows, residual pools, and slow, shaded streams with sandy or muddy bottoms.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Northern Corydoras (Corydoras septentrionalis). Belongs to the long-snouted Corydoras group. Features an elongated and pointed cranial profile which it uses to probe deeply into the substrate in search of hidden prey.
Social Behavior: Highly gregarious. Despite being slightly larger than other Corys, it is extremely peaceful. The group (minimum 6-8 specimens) constantly explores the bottom in a loose formation, always maintaining visual contact.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Light base livery covered by a dense network of dark spots and very fine wavy lines extending over the snout and body. Barred caudal fin. Adult females are plumper, with a visibly swollen abdomen.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Very fine sand is an essential requirement, even more so than for short-snouted Corydoras, since this species literally buries its entire snout in the substrate to feed. Add roots to create hiding places.
Diet and Feeding: Benthic omnivore. The shape of its snout makes it an excellent extractor of hidden bloodworms and tubifex. Accepts quality pellets for bottom fish, but has a higher protein requirement derived from live/frozen prey.
Water Quality: Adapts well to both weakly acidic and neutral waters (pH 6.0-7.5), but is uncompromising on bottom hygiene. Accumulation of detritus and nitrates causes bacterial infections to the long sensory barbels.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal companion for Orinoco biotopes. Perfect with Tetras (e.g. Cardinals, Hemigrammus), Hatchetfish on the surface, and quiet Loricariids. Avoid large or medium Cichlids (e.g. Geophagus) that compete for the bottom.
Aquarium Breeding: Achieved with drastic cold water changes that simulate the onset of the wet season. The female lays very large, adhesive eggs on the leaves of strong plants or on the glass, in areas with strong current.
Risks and Diseases: Vulnerable to barbel wear caused by sharp gravel bottoms. Copper compounds and anti-snail medications can quickly prove lethal given their scale-less anatomy.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Endemic to the northern Orinoco River basin, between Venezuela and Colombia (hence "septentrionalis" = northern). Inhabits quiet river oxbows, residual pools, and slow, shaded streams with sandy or muddy bottoms.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAmazonie, Orénoque et GuyanesAmérique du Nord
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- The temperament of Corydoras septentrionalis is exceptionally peaceful and highly social in nature. They must be kept in groups of at least six individuals to thrive. In proper schools, they are confident and constantly active across the bottom.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- The diet of Corydoras septentrionalis primarily features benthic organisms and small detritus. In captivity, they eagerly eat sinking pellets and high-quality bottom-feeder wafers. Live foods like bloodworms and daphnia should be offered for optimal health.
- Espérance de vie
- 3-5 years
- Taille adulte
- 5.5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Specific M:F ratio
- A specific sex ratio is unnecessary for the general community keeping of Corydoras septentrionalis. For dedicated breeding, a ratio of two males per female is optimal. Females are visibly rounder and broader, while males are slender.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- It is recommended to feed Corydoras septentrionalis one or two times daily in moderate portions. Ensure the food reaches the substrate before mid-water fish consume it all. Feeding just before lights out helps them forage peacefully without stress.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- The bioload of Corydoras septentrionalis is relatively low compared to larger tank mates. Since they are schooling fish, their combined waste can accumulate over time. Consistent filtration and weekly water changes are necessary for maintaining clean water.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- Corydoras septentrionalis prefers a moderate water flow that replicates gentle Amazonian streams. This circulation thoroughly oxygenates the water and prevents detritus accumulation. Calm resting zones should also be provided for relaxation.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- The jump risk for Corydoras septentrionalis is very low compared to surface-dwelling fish. However, their unique respiratory system causes occasional rapid surface darting. A secure aquarium lid is highly recommended to prevent accidental escapes.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- Breeding Corydoras septentrionalis in an aquarium is highly achievable with proper conditioning. Spawning is typically triggered by a large, slightly cooler water change. The female then deposits adhesive eggs on aquarium glass or broad plant leaves.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Semi-aggressive
- In terms of compatibility, Corydoras septentrionalis is extremely peaceful and ideal for community setups. They coexist perfectly with small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids. Large, aggressive bottom-dwellers must be avoided to prevent undue competition.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Bottom
- As obligate bottom-dwellers, Corydoras septentrionalis spends the vast majority of its time on the substrate. They constantly search for food by sifting fine sand with their sensitive barbels. They occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3 ± 0,3 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.01778, b = 3.02
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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