CORYDORAS

Subject: CORYDORAS Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:14 pm

Written by Rob

CORYDORAS (Corys)
Type: Tropical Freshwater

Scientific Name: Corydoras
Maximum Size: 8cm
Minimum Tank Volume: 30L
Minimum Tank Width: 50cm
Water pH: 5.8-7.8
Water Temperature: 22-29

Care Rating: Easy to Moderate

APPEARANCE
An attractive and active little fish which feels more secure in groups. The fish is small and rounded with barbels on their mouth/nose which they use to dig around for food in low light e.t.c. There are many different species of Corydoras including Bronze, Panda, Leopard, Peppered. All of these names relate to different colours of the skin/scales. The general fish itself is the same shape, length.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Corydoras prefer to have a decorated tank. They do not dig into the substrate as such and so can be kept in a planted aquarium. The substrate must be soft and sandy to prevent damage to the delicate barbels which these fish use to find their way around and find food. Corydoras also do better in well filtered and well aereated water which is partially changed regularly.

COMPATIBILITY
Corydoras are a peaceful tankmate for a general community aquarium. They should not generally be kept with fish such as Kribensis which like to breed in caves, as Corydoras also like to hide in caves. As long as there is enough space for everyone, there should be no problems. Territorial fish can be a problem but research should always be done when selecting tankmates.

DIETARY NEEDS
The common belief is that Corydoras can live happily off a diet of discarded and unwanted food from the bottom of the aquarium. This is not strictly true. They should be fed a varied diet including Pleco Algae Wafers, blanched cucumber and other sinking foods as they are a bottom feeder.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
* As mentioned above, Corydoras are much happier in larger groups, so the more that you can accommodate, the happier they will be.

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