Discover the essentials of Corydoras catfish care in this episode of The Aquarist's Edge! From tank setup and feeding to understanding unique behaviours like their surface-breathing dart, we cover all you need to keep these friendly bottom-dwellers healthy and thriving. Perfect for beginner and intermediate aquarists, plus practical tips on breeding popular Corydoras species like the Panda, Bronze, and Sterbai. Tune in for expert advice to create a comfortable, natural habitat your Cories will love!
This episode is brought to you by Art's Fish Room.
00:00:01 --> 00:00:07 Welcome to this episode of the Aquarist's Edge, a podcast for home aquarists just like you.
00:00:07 --> 00:00:11 Learn more about how to keep a thriving aquarium and discover ideas and tips
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 to give your aquarium the edge.
00:00:13 --> 00:00:16 And now, over to our host, Arthur Preston.
00:00:20 --> 00:00:25 When people ask me what my favorite fish is, I straightaway turn to the Corridoras.
00:00:26 --> 00:00:28 These little catfish are absolutely
00:00:28 --> 00:00:31 adorable. They are up and down in the tank. They're always active.
00:00:31 --> 00:00:34 They're scurrying around the bottom. They're exploring.
00:00:34 --> 00:00:39 I actually call them the Labradors of my aquariums. I think they're absolutely amazing.
00:00:39 --> 00:00:43 And in this episode, I'm going to share with you information about coris,
00:00:43 --> 00:00:48 how to keep them happy and healthy, and for those who want to find out how to
00:00:48 --> 00:00:48 set them up for breeding.
00:00:49 --> 00:00:51 So let's get into it.
00:00:51 --> 00:00:53 So let's talk about coris in general.
00:00:54 --> 00:01:00 The genus Corridoras includes 160 plus recognized species, and you find them
00:01:00 --> 00:01:03 in slow-moving rivers and streams in South America.
00:01:03 --> 00:01:09 And because of this diversity, there's a Corridora for almost every type of freshwater tank set up.
00:01:10 --> 00:01:13 They're peaceful fish, they're social, and they're thriving groups,
00:01:13 --> 00:01:18 which makes them especially entertaining to watch as they forage along the bottom of your tank.
00:01:18 --> 00:01:21 So here are some of the popular species that you might see in the hobby,
00:01:21 --> 00:01:23 and what makes them unique.
00:01:24 --> 00:01:29 One of the most popular you'll find is the bronze cori, or Corridoris aeneus.
00:01:29 --> 00:01:33 You'll also find this in the albino variety. Those are the ones you'll commonly
00:01:33 --> 00:01:34 find in your local fish shop.
00:01:35 --> 00:01:38 These are, you know, they're probably the most widely kept species,
00:01:38 --> 00:01:41 and they're known for their shimmering, almost metallic scales,
00:01:41 --> 00:01:44 and with the right light, they can appear bronze, green, or gold.
00:01:45 --> 00:01:48 The bronze coris grow slightly larger than the other types, reaching about 7
00:01:48 --> 00:01:51 cm, and adapt well to a range of water conditions.
00:01:52 --> 00:01:55 They're very much a beginner, friendly fish. But one of the other popular ones,
00:01:56 --> 00:01:58 because they're just hardy, is the pepper corridoras.
00:01:59 --> 00:02:01 Their scientific name is Corridoras paliatis.
00:02:02 --> 00:02:06 They're really hardy and, again, ideal for beginners. They have a speckled or
00:02:06 --> 00:02:10 a peppered appearance, and they sometimes have a bit of a greenish-blue hue.
00:02:11 --> 00:02:14 They grow up to about 6cm, and they prefer cooler temperatures,
00:02:14 --> 00:02:16 around 22 degrees Celsius.
00:02:16 --> 00:02:21 Another favourite of mine are the panda coris. and the scientific name,
00:02:21 --> 00:02:24 very easy to remember, Corydoras panda.
00:02:24 --> 00:02:27 They're absolutely unmistakable. They've got a distinct black eye patch around
00:02:27 --> 00:02:29 the eye, the dorsal fin, and near the tail.
00:02:30 --> 00:02:32 They're a bit smaller. They reach
00:02:32 --> 00:02:35 about five centimeters and are known for being very active and social.
00:02:35 --> 00:02:41 They prefer water temperatures at about 24 degrees and a pH of about 6.5 to 7.5 degrees.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:47 Another favourite is the Sturby Corridoras. Again, easy to remember a scientific
00:02:47 --> 00:02:49 name, Corridoras Sturby.
00:02:50 --> 00:02:54 These are often kept in warmer tanks because they can thrive in temperatures
00:02:54 --> 00:02:58 up to 28 degrees Celsius, which makes them really compatible with tropical community
00:02:58 --> 00:03:01 tanks where the temperature needs to be a bit higher.
00:03:02 --> 00:03:06 They have a distinctive pattern of white or orange dots in the dark body and
00:03:06 --> 00:03:07 grow up to about 6 centimetres.
00:03:08 --> 00:03:13 They're very popular in community setups and they look great in a group swimming around the tank.
00:03:13 --> 00:03:18 A rather unique choice of Corridora for a smaller tank, perhaps a nano tank
00:03:18 --> 00:03:20 setter, is the Pygmy Corridoras.
00:03:20 --> 00:03:24 Again, easy to remember scientific name, Corridoras pygmaeus.
00:03:25 --> 00:03:29 They only grow to about 3cm. They're very active. They can often be found darting
00:03:29 --> 00:03:31 up into the mid-levels of the tank.
00:03:31 --> 00:03:34 And what's interesting about these guys is that most of the Corridoras,
00:03:34 --> 00:03:37 if not all the other species, will forage around the bottom almost all day.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:42 Whereas with the big mecorries it's very common to find them swimming mid-level in your tank.
00:03:43 --> 00:03:47 They prefer soft acidic water and a temperature of around 23 degrees.
00:03:47 --> 00:03:52 There are of course many other species available but they all share common traits
00:03:52 --> 00:03:56 like for example being in groups they have peaceful temperaments and they love
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 foraging at the bottom of the tank.
00:03:58 --> 00:04:02 When you set up your tank for corridorus or when you place your corridorus in
00:04:02 --> 00:04:05 your aquarium you'll probably notice them doing something quite interesting.
00:04:05 --> 00:04:09 They will occasionally dart up to the water surface and then swim right back down.
00:04:09 --> 00:04:13 And if you're not aware of this, it might be alarming, you might think that
00:04:13 --> 00:04:16 they are not breathing properly, but don't worry, it's entirely normal.
00:04:17 --> 00:04:20 These fish belong to a group of fish known as facultative air breathers.
00:04:21 --> 00:04:25 This means they have the unique ability to take in oxygen from the air when they need it.
00:04:25 --> 00:04:29 That's because their intestinal structure has been modified to allow absorption
00:04:29 --> 00:04:31 of oxygen from solid air.
00:04:32 --> 00:04:36 And this adaptation comes about from their natural habitat, where oxygen levels
00:04:36 --> 00:04:39 in the water can be quite low, especially in stagnant or slow-moving water.
00:04:40 --> 00:04:42 Even in the home aquarium with good filtration and aeration,
00:04:43 --> 00:04:46 corries will still occasionally dart to the surface for a quick breath.
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 This behaviour isn't a sign of distress or poor water quality,
00:04:50 --> 00:04:53 but it's a natural behaviour, and it's just part of who they are as fish.
00:04:53 --> 00:04:56 Just make sure that if you've got a particularly active group of corries that
00:04:56 --> 00:05:01 you keep a cover on your tank, and they can be quite speedy when they dart up,
00:05:01 --> 00:05:03 and they have been known to jump out of tanks before.
00:05:03 --> 00:05:06 I've never had that happen, but it can.
00:05:07 --> 00:05:11 Also, providing a well-oxygenated environment with gentle water flow can help
00:05:11 --> 00:05:14 them feel comfortable while encouraging their natural instinct.
00:05:15 --> 00:05:18 Now, it's good to remember that coris are schooling fish, so it's important
00:05:18 --> 00:05:20 to keep at least six of them together.
00:05:21 --> 00:05:26 A 60-litre tank is a minimum for a small group, but a 100-litre tank is recommended
00:05:26 --> 00:05:29 if you're keeping a larger group or multiple species of coris together.
00:05:30 --> 00:05:34 A soft substrate is vital because cories have delicate barbels around their mouths.
00:05:35 --> 00:05:38 Sand is great. It allows the cories to dig and search for food naturally.
00:05:39 --> 00:05:42 It's best to avoid rough gravel. As it's said, this can damage their barbels,
00:05:43 --> 00:05:46 which are essential for sensing their environment and finding food.
00:05:47 --> 00:05:51 Now, you might find contrasting information to this online. It has sparked debate
00:05:51 --> 00:05:56 on forums before, where some people think, or will tell us, that it doesn't really matter.
00:05:56 --> 00:05:59 The cories will be just fine. their bubbles on damage from the rough substrate
00:05:59 --> 00:06:05 while others will vehemently tell you no, they must have a soft sandy bottom to forage in.
00:06:06 --> 00:06:10 Well, I've had quarries in both environments, and they've lived healthily.
00:06:10 --> 00:06:15 However, if I look at their natural environment, it would seem that a softer
00:06:15 --> 00:06:16 substrate is probably best for them.
00:06:16 --> 00:06:22 So when I have quarries in my tanks, I do try and keep a very soft, gentle substrate.
00:06:22 --> 00:06:27 And it's true, they do enjoy foraging in that, and I guess it looks like they're
00:06:27 --> 00:06:28 playing in the sand at times.
00:06:29 --> 00:06:33 Adding decor like smooth stones, driftwood and plants creates an environment
00:06:33 --> 00:06:37 that mimics their natural habitat. and also gives them hiding spots.
00:06:37 --> 00:06:39 Corys love to find safety under
00:06:39 --> 00:06:43 a rock or in a little cave. This is where they seem to be the happiest.
00:06:44 --> 00:06:46 So let's have a look at the parameters of the water for corys.
00:06:47 --> 00:06:50 It's a quick rundown. We've got temperatures of between 22 to 26 degrees.
00:06:51 --> 00:06:53 This can vary by species, as mentioned earlier.
00:06:53 --> 00:07:00 For most species, a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is good and water hardness normally soft to moderate.
00:07:00 --> 00:07:05 Weekly water changes of about 25% are recommended to maintain the water quality
00:07:05 --> 00:07:08 as coris are sensitive to ammonia and spikes in the nitrite levels.
00:07:09 --> 00:07:14 Its low to moderate flow filter is best because coridoras are used to calm waters.
00:07:15 --> 00:07:20 They also appreciate well oxygenated water so adding an airstone or a sponge filter can really help.
00:07:21 --> 00:07:25 Now what kind of fish will live with coris? Well coris are excellent community fish.
00:07:25 --> 00:07:30 They get along well with other peaceful species such as tetras, resboras and guppies.
00:07:31 --> 00:07:35 Avoid the aggressive or territorial species like cichlids, as they may harass
00:07:35 --> 00:07:37 your coris or out-compete them for food.
00:07:37 --> 00:07:42 Rather, stick to non-aggressive, similar-sized fish and your coris will feel right at home.
00:07:43 --> 00:07:46 If you're mixing multiple Corydora species, they'll often school together,
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 though they may show a preference for their own kind.
00:07:49 --> 00:07:53 This mixed grouping is not only visually appealing, but also encourages their
00:07:53 --> 00:07:54 natural social behaviour.
00:07:55 --> 00:07:59 In terms of feeding the coris, coris are omnivores, so a balanced diet is important.
00:08:00 --> 00:08:04 You are able to give them high quality syncing pellets or tablets designed for
00:08:04 --> 00:08:07 bottom dwellers, those are great for staple food.
00:08:07 --> 00:08:11 However, to keep things interesting, give them live or frozen foods such as
00:08:11 --> 00:08:15 bloodworms or daphnia and brine shrimp maybe once or twice a week.
00:08:15 --> 00:08:21 These foods not only provide variety, but also mimic the hunting behaviors they engage in in the wild.
00:08:21 --> 00:08:24 There's one thing you need to remember though, in a community tank it's easy
00:08:24 --> 00:08:26 for coris to miss out on food,
00:08:26 --> 00:08:29 especially if they're fast eaters around so you
00:08:29 --> 00:08:32 can target feed them just make sure that the pellets and
00:08:32 --> 00:08:35 the food you're giving them is is landing near them and that your
00:08:35 --> 00:08:38 middle and top feeders are not managing
00:08:38 --> 00:08:42 to get all their food before the quarries can get to it now if you want to breed
00:08:42 --> 00:08:46 quarries this is not particularly difficult they're quite easy to breed you
00:08:46 --> 00:08:50 can identify male and female by noticing that the females are generally larger
00:08:50 --> 00:08:54 and more rounded especially when they're carrying eggs and the males are slimmer
00:08:54 --> 00:08:55 and have a slightly more pointed shape.
00:08:57 --> 00:09:00 A separate breeding tank of around 30 litres is ideal to give the eggs a safe environment.
00:09:01 --> 00:09:06 And that is because it is possible cory's do actually eat their own eggs from time to time.
00:09:06 --> 00:09:09 Set up the tank with smooth rocks, broadleaf plants and a sponge filter.
00:09:10 --> 00:09:15 And one popular method to trigger the breeding is to simulate a rainy season
00:09:15 --> 00:09:18 by doing about a 50% water change with slightly cooler water.
00:09:18 --> 00:09:21 And this can signal the start of breeding conditions to your cory's.
00:09:22 --> 00:09:26 And once the eggs are laid, you'll see them attached to smooth surfaces or the glass of the tank.
00:09:27 --> 00:09:32 Remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs. And eggs can hatch within three to five days.
00:09:32 --> 00:09:37 And the fry can be fed with soria or specially designed fry food until they're
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 large enough to eat crushed pellets or live food.
00:09:40 --> 00:09:43 That all said and done, I've had quarries breed in community tanks unexpectedly.
00:09:44 --> 00:09:47 The conditions were right. There was enough hiding space. The quarries were
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 well fed. They didn't want to eat their own eggs.
00:09:49 --> 00:09:53 And I've had some success, actually, with just allowing natural breeding to
00:09:53 --> 00:09:58 happen within a tank. However, if you're trying to breed them for profit or
00:09:58 --> 00:10:02 if you're trying to deliberately breed coris, well then yes,
00:10:02 --> 00:10:04 I suggest you do have a separate breeding tank.
00:10:04 --> 00:10:08 That will certainly enhance the survival rate of your fry and make sure the
00:10:08 --> 00:10:09 eggs are not eaten by the parents.
00:10:10 --> 00:10:14 What about health care for coris? While coris are hardy, they're also prone
00:10:14 --> 00:10:16 to health issues if the tank isn't properly maintained.
00:10:17 --> 00:10:21 So make sure that you're doing your weekly water changes, keep your water quality good,
00:10:21 --> 00:10:25 keep an eye on the ammonia, the nitrites and the nitrate levels, quarantine
00:10:25 --> 00:10:28 any new tank mates if you do your basics
00:10:28 --> 00:10:31 right there's no reason why your quarries cannot have a
00:10:31 --> 00:10:34 very healthy and fulfilling and enjoyable life in
00:10:34 --> 00:10:37 your community tank i encourage you to explore the
00:10:37 --> 00:10:40 different species that are available put some quarries in your
00:10:40 --> 00:10:43 tank enjoy them they are really fabulous fish
00:10:43 --> 00:10:46 that's it
00:10:46 --> 00:10:50 for this episode of the aquarist edge please consider subscribing to this podcast
00:10:50 --> 00:10:54 so that you don't miss further episodes we would love it if you would also rate
00:10:54 --> 00:10:58 and review the podcast as this helps make it visible to others until next time
00:10:58 --> 00:11:03 keep learning and discovering and keep finding your aquarist's edge in this
00:11:03 --> 00:11:05 captivating and fascinating hobby.
00:11:05 --> 00:11:14 Music.