Banded Corydoras
Corydoras vittatus
Robust Amazonian species marked by two thick and marked dark longitudinal bands on the flanks (vittatus = banded). Elongated snout of an excellent sifter.
Temperatura da água
22 - 26 °C
Valor de pH
6 - 7.2
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior
Tamanho adulto
5,5 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 100 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 6
GH
2 - 12 dGH
KH
2 - 10 dKH
TDS
50 - 280 ppm
Condutividade
78 - 438 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Stably inhabits the gallery forest in the hydrographic basins of the state of Maranhão in Brazil. Populates shallow rivers with slow to moderate flow, covered by vast litters of fallen leaves in amber and weakly acidic waters.
Taxonomy and Morphology: A magnificent Callichthyidae. It is ascribed to the "long-snouted" morphological group: it touches 5.5 centimeters (2.2 inches) and shows off a long, narrow and compact snout. Aerodynamic and powerful body structure, developed to stubbornly cleave the sandy layers in search of benthic food.
Social Behavior: Marked gregariousness and tireless exploratory dynamism. Breeding in dense gatherings of at least 6-8 individuals is essential: separated from the group it will reveal severe stress losing colors and hiding apathetically under the woods.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The name "vittatus" (equipped with a band) describes its pattern: a decisive and highly elegant horizontal black stripe entirely furrows the flanks, from the operculum to the caudal base, over a silvery mantle. Slightly spotted fins. Females notably swollen on the abdomen.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Demands huge layers of very fine impalpable sand to vent digging frenzies without eroding the whiskers. Requires deep shade areas generated by intricate complexes of Manila or Red Moor woods covered with mosses and low epiphytes.
Diet and Feeding: Constant and ravenous bottom consumer. Fast granules and compressed tablets are the basis, but obligatorily demands generous tri-weekly protein intakes (live or thawed) such as huge daphnia, tubifex and red bloodworms to get stronger and lay eggs.
Water Quality: Standard South American range: 22-26°C (72-79°F), stable pH between 6.0 and 7.2 (acid-neutral) and very low hardness (GH 2-12). Barely tolerates any organic accumulation on the bottom: delicate but constant siphonings to avoid collapse and necrosis.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Ideal and harmless companion for placid community tanks. Join them with dither fish such as Nannostomus, slow Tetras or peaceful dwarf cichlids. Cohabitation with aggressive and gigantic Loricariids or Cichlids that monopolize the bottom by eating its meal is absolutely banned.
Aquarium Breeding: Difficult, triggered in an isolated tank by sudden osmotic cooling (simulated "monsoons"). During T-mating, large and rare eggs are sealed along the glass. Isolation of the eggs from the voracious parents must be lightning fast.
Risks and Diseases: Absolute ban on insertion into tanks with pointed gravel (it will lethally shatter its barbels). Avoid overdoses of commercial drugs based on Malachite Green and Formalin, often lethal for bare-skinned Callichthyidae.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Stably inhabits the gallery forest in the hydrographic basins of the state of Maranhão in Brazil. Populates shallow rivers with slow to moderate flow, covered by vast litters of fallen leaves in amber and weakly acidic waters.
Origem
Amazônia, Orinoco e Guianas
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Semi-aggressive
- This is an incredibly peaceful and timid species that thrives in the company of its own kind. Corydoras vittatus 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.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- As omnivorous bottom feeders, Corydoras vittatus 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.
- Expectativa de vida
- 5-10 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 5.5 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Specific M:F ratio
- A ratio of two or three males for every female is highly recommended, especially if breeding Corydoras vittatus 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.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- Corydoras vittatus 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.
- Carga biológica
- Low
- This species produces a relatively small bioload, typical of most Corydoras vittatus 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.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- 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 vittatus. Ensure there are calmer resting areas where they can settle on the substrate without expending too much energy.
- Risco de salto
- No
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- Breeding Corydoras vittatus 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.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Community
- Corydoras vittatus 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.
- Nível do tanque
- Bottom
- Like other Corydoras, Corydoras vittatus 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.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 3 ± 0,3 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.02455, b = 3
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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