Tips on Feeding and Keeping Corydoras
Corydoras or Cory catfish belong to the Callichthyidae family and originally come from South America. Various species of corydoras have long enjoyed great popularity in ornamental fish keeping.
Characteristics of Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoradinae
- Origin: South America
- Size: depending on the species 3 - 12 cm (1 – 4.7 inches)
- Life span: up to 10 years
- Aquarium minimum size: from 60 litres
- Recommended water temperature: depending on the species
- Diet: omnivorous
Appearance of Corydoras
Corydoras reach a length between three and twelve centimetres. Their high-backed body is flattened on the sides. They have a round snout, which is also flattened on the side, and short barbels. The colour of the body, which is covered by bony plates, varies depending on the corydoras species and can be, for example, yellowish, greenish or bluish.
Corydoras Species
There are around 160 different corydoras species. This subfamily is significantly larger than that of the callus catfish, of which there are only 17 species. Well-known species that are often kept in aquariums include, for example, the panda cory, the bronze cory and the three stripe cory.
Life Expectancy of Corydoras
In the wild, corydoras usually only live for a year. Corydoras that are kept in the aquarium, on the other hand, can get significantly older if they are well looked after. The larger species occasionally even reach an age of around 10 years.
Origin of Corydoras
Corydoras originate from South America, where they can be found in numerous countries. The fish live in the Amazon basin, in northern Argentina, in the highlands of central Brazil and on the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean Sea.
Given their vast distribution area, it is hardly surprising that corydoras are adapted to very different environmental conditions. They live in black water, white water and clear water. The water temperature can fluctuate significantly depending on the region or remain relatively constant throughout the year.
Keeping Corydoras
Corydoras are popular aquarium fish whose keeping does not require too much effort. Most species are very sociable and should therefore be kept in groups of six or more.
The water temperature at which the animals feel comfortable can vary depending on the natural living conditions of the respective species. The pH level for keeping corydoras should be between 6 and 8.
Setting up a Fish Tank for Corydoras
Corydoras are so-called intestinal breathers. This means that they absorb oxygen through their intestinal mucosa and regularly come to the surface of the water to breathe. When setting up your aquarium, you must therefore ensure that they can reach it unhindered.
Apart from that, corydoras are mainly found in the lower part of the aquarium. Fine sand should be used as a substrate. Sharp-edged materials, on the other hand, should be avoided, as the fish can otherwise easily injure themselves when digging in the ground.
The aquarium for corydoras should be well planted with delicate aquatic plants. However, please ensure that there is still plenty of space for the fish to swim.
Socialising Corydoras
Corydoras are usually peaceful and can therefore be easily socialised with other fish. Their tank mates should also be peaceful species that are not much larger then them. A good choice are, for example, various tetras from South America.
Breeding Corydoras
Most corydoras are so-called substrate spawners. This means that the female fish lay their eggs on stones, plants or even the pane of the aquarium, where they are then fertilized by the male.
For breeding purposes a pair should be moved into a separate breeding tank. After spawning, the parent fish should be removed promptly and returned to the regular aquarium. It takes about four to five days for the fish larvae to hatch. Two or three days later, the young can be fed Artemia larvae.
Corydoras Diseases
Corydoras are considered to be robust aquarium inhabitants, some of which can cope with considerable fluctuations regarding water values. Nevertheless, the fish can obviously get sick. In addition to bacterial infections, possible health problems that can occur include various parasites. Regular partial water changes can help reduce the likelihood of illness.
Corydoras Diet
The food of wild corydoras consists primarily of decomposing animal and plant matter that they find on the ground. Similarly, when kept in an aquarium the fish eat the remains that the other fish have left over. They accept almost any type of fish food from live to frozen to dry food.
In order to adequately care for corydoras in an aquarium, leftovers are usually not enough for them to remain healthy. In addition, the fish should therefore also be offered suitable food, such as catfish tablets.
Aquaris Fish Food for Corydoras
You will find two different types of food in our range that are suitable for your corydoras: Aquaris Bottom and Aquaris Green Chips. With fish food from Aquaris, you can feed your aquarium fish high-quality products made from carefully selected raw materials.
Aquaris ornamental fish food is characterised by species-appropriate recipes and excellent wholesomeness. In addition, it is easy to digest, so that the water quality is not unnecessarily impaired by the excretions of your corydoras and other fish.
Leave your comment