Learnt something new about Corydoras today

Today i bought a spotted corydoras and was advised not to transfer it straight into the tank with the water (which I don't normally do anyway) as apparently corydoras can release a poison when they feel threatened. Apparently they do this in the wild when threatened by predetors.
Just wondered if anyone else had heard about this?

Hi john. I think some species of cory do have this ability - they squirt put small amounts of some sort of chemical which can cause irritation if you handle them with your bare hands. It's also said to put off bigger fsh from eating because it stings them but I dont think it does any long term harm so I guess it's quite handy

As for putting your new corys into the tank - it's best to keep them in a seperate tank for a month anyway in case they are carrying ich or somne such that they can carry into your tank. I dont know if it will be of any value to do that as far as the potential poison squirting goes though - if they are going to be stressed by going into your main tank, it will happen whether you add them on day one or thirty one

Unfortunatly I don't have another tank at the moment at the moment .

Not to worry then, I am sure any fish that are foolish enough to fancy a cory snack will soon get the messege - if they are one of the ones with a sting anyway

I was looking at some corydoras the other day in the local fish shop, I think they were called panda corys and were just lovely. I wouldnt mind getting some of them when I eventually can get fish.

Do they need any special care or can any old idiot kkeep them

evie123 wrote:

Do they need any special care or can any old idiot keep them

Well Diana has them so I guess that answers your question!

P.S. Sorry Diana, couldn't resist!

I am shocked and horrified!!!

Well two of mine have died so what does that tell you?

Diana wrote:

Well two of mine have died so what does that tell you?

That your track record is better than mine...