Corydoras

What are Corydoras?

Corydoras, also known as Cories, Coryfish or Cory cats are peaceful small fish from freshwater lakes and streams in South America. There are many colourful varieties of Corydoras, such as the distinct Panda Cories, common Bronze Cories and spotted Juliis. Most grow up to between 4-6cm and live in packs. 

How to Set Up an Aquarium for Corydoras

A minimum pack of 6 corydoras can live in a tank at least 30 litres in size. In the wild, they love to search and sift through the riverbed for food, so sand, rounded gravel or aquasoil substrate is recommended. Ensure that the substrate is smoothed and rounded to prevent damaging their barbels and encourage foraging. They do best in  neutral pH water with moderate heating between 22-26 degrees celsius. In the Australian Summer, the heater can be turned off. If taken care of well, Cories can live up to 20 years in captivity. A filter is essential to ensure clean water quality and minimal ammonia and nitrites.

What do Corydoras eat

Corydoras are onmivores and can eat a wide range of foods including frozen, live and dry foods. Because they are bottom feeders, they should be fed sinking pellets, algae wafers, and chips. They will also enjoy life food once in a while such as mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and daphnia although this is not necessary. A varied diet will keep your Corydoras healthy and active!

Corydoras Breeding Tips for Beginners

Breeding Corydoras can be challenging because you need to create the right environment and simulating their natural conditions to encourage spawning. The ideal male to female ratio is 1:1 or 1:2. To encourage breeding, lower the tank temperature to 21°C-22°C and provide live or frozen foods like blood worms and brine shrimp. Large water changes and providing plenty of plants and hiding spots can stimulate breeding. It is recommended to remove the eggs with a credit card to prevent it being eaten. The fry like to graze on algae and can be fed food in powdered form or brine shrimp.

Which plants and decorations work best for Corydoras?

Corydoras thrive with soft substrates like fine sand, which protect their barbels, and plants such as Java Moss, Anubias, and Amazon Sword for hiding spots and rest. Driftwood and smooth rocks provide natural decorations without sharp edges. Caves are beneficial because they offer additional shelter and resting spaces when stressed.

Which fish are compatible with Corydoras?

Corydoras are peaceful fish and so should be kept with other peaceful fish and do well in community tanks. They are compatible with Angelfish, Discus, tetras, Guppies, Catfish and Plecos. They should not be kept with aggressive or territorial fish like Cichlids or Puffers. When threatened by a predator, Corydoras can raise a spine on their dorsal fin, which may become lodged in the predator's throat, and kill it. Choosing appropriate tank mates is essential to ensure their safety and well-being.

Why are corydoras dying?

Corydoras may die because of poor water quality, including high ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates, and wild temperature or pH swings. Sharp substrates and an inadequate diet can also cause harm and stress. Regular water changes, proper nutrition, and a safe environment are essential for their health.

What are corydoras sensitive to

Corydoras are quite sensitive to poor water quality, such as high levels of ammonia, and nitrites, as they require clean, well-oxygenated water. They are also sensitive to sharp substrates (like coarse gravel), which can injure their delicate barbels, and to certain medications, especially those containing copper or strong chemicals.