In today's video, we're going to be talking about Corydoras and I'll be giving you three tips and pieces of advice that I wish I knew when I was a beginner.

For those wondering what I know about Corydoras—well, I don’t know as much as the experts, but I do know quite a bit. I’ve been breeding quite a few different types of them, and while I am by no means an expert, I have learned a lot over the past couple of years. I'll be sharing some pieces of advice that will help your Corydoras either start breeding or at least feel really comfortable in your tank.

These tips will also help prevent them from dying, as they are very hardy fish. If you are having issues with them, hopefully, by the end of this article, those issues will be resolved if you follow all the advice. So, without any further ado, let’s get started on these tips, and hopefully, I can help you find success with your Corydoras.

1. Add Cover

Since Corydoras are bottom dwellers, they are used to seeing fish at the top of the tank. Having some kind of cover ensures they feel protected from predators above. If your tank only has plants and one ornament and you have a school of six to eight Corydoras with no cover, they will often try to hide and become stressed. They instinctively feel vulnerable, much like a person would if lost in a dark forest at night without shelter.

Adding cover to your tank is easy. One method is to include gold vine or driftwood to create a canopy. You can attach Anubias or Java fern to the wood to enhance the look. In my own Cory tank, these fish are very skittish and appreciate the cover. Other options include coconut hides or any structure that provides overhead protection. This simple addition will make your Corydoras feel more comfortable and less stressed.

2. Keep Them in Larger Schools

A common mistake is buying just one or two Corydoras, creating a “Noah’s Ark” of different species—one bronze, one albino, one panda, and one Julii. While they may occasionally school together, they won’t be as happy as they would be in a proper school of their own kind.

Corydoras are shoaling fish found in massive groups in the wild, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Keeping them in groups of at least six to eight per species is ideal. For example, if you choose albino Corydoras, get six to eight of them, and if you want bronze Corydoras, have a separate school of six to eight of those. Avoid mixing too many different species unless you have a large enough tank. Keeping them in larger groups reduces stress and allows them to exhibit natural behaviors.

3. Add Tannins

Corydoras thrive in tannin-rich water, which imitates their natural Amazonian habitat. Tannins help soften the water and create an environment that makes them feel secure. You can add tannins by using Indian almond leaves, driftwood, or other botanical elements.

Aside from creating a more natural environment, tannins also provide health benefits, such as antibacterial properties. They also help condition the fish for breeding. If your water parameters allow it, consider adding tannins to keep your Corydoras happy.

Corydoras are wonderful fish to keep, and with the right care, they will reward you with their playful and social behavior. Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the key aspects of caring for them. Happy fishkeeping!