EveryThing You Need To Know About Cory Catfish.
The Cory catfish is highly recommended as a freshwater fish that’s suitable for aquarists of any experience levels.
They have a fantastic appearance, they’re easy to care for, and they have a super friendly attitude. Everything about this fish is absolutely fascinating!
This care guide will help have a complete understanding of Corydoras and what needs to be done in order for you to help them live a long and happy life.
We hope you enjoy it!
Table of Contents
- Species Summary
- Appearance And Size
- Types Of Cory Catfish
- Albino Cory Catfish
- Green Cory Catfish
- Panda Cory Catfish
- Peppered Cory Catfish
- Pygmy Cory Catfish
- Julii Cory Catfish
- Emerald Cory Catfish
- Cory Catfish Care
- Preventing Disease
- Average Lifespan
- Recommended Tank And Water Conditions
- Tank Size
- Water Parameters
- Additional Tank Suggestions
- Food & Diet
- Typical Behavior & Temperament
- Good Tank Mates
- Bad Tank Mates
- Breeding Cory Catfish
- Option 1: Dedicated Breeding Tank
- Option 2: Dedicated Fry Tank
- The Wrap Up
Species Summary
The Cory catfish is a classic addition to any freshwater aquarium, beloved by aquarists of all skill levels. Like most catfish, they are bottom dwellers they prefer to carry out their activities without disturbing other aquatic creatures.
Also known as armored catfish, Cory cats, Corydoras catfish, and Cory fish, these peaceful creatures belong to the Corydoras genus, which includes more than 165 named species.
These fish are native to regions situated in South America extending all the way to the Atlantic Ocean, located east of the Andes Mountains , The name “ genus “ is derived from the Greek words kory, or helmet, and doras, or skin, which fittingly depict two of the fish’s notable characteristics.
Appearance And Size
The average Cory catfish varies among different species, typically measuring between 1 to 4 inches in length, although older females will regularly surpass 3 inches in length.
The Cory’s scientific name is reflected in its physical features, The Cory is protected with an armor made up of bony plates that extend throughout its body. The fish’s flattened underside is well suited to life at the lowest levels of the water.
Their horizontal pectoral fins enable them to comfortably rest on the substrate. Their vertical dorsal fin resembles as sail, typically pointed; however, it may be round in some species. The length and height of Cory’s tail fin vary between species, although it generally has a forked appearance no matter the type.
The Cory catfish has a short face with endearing, ringed, and wide-set eyes. On their face they have, three sets of barbels that look like whiskers help them find food in the substrate.
The Coloration varies among species of Corydoras, spanning from pale or albino to iridescent, however, a lot of them are in shades of brown that help blending into the substrate, providing them with camouflage.
Types Of Cory Catfish
You can find many different types of Cory catfish out there, so having some basic information about each one including their appearance can help you in the purchasing process.
Albino Cory Catfish
The Albino Cory catfish have a unique look that some tank owners like. They have a classic red eyes that you can find in albino animals and their bodies are a light pink/white combo.
Unlike a lot of the other types on our list, Albino Corydoras can only be purchased from specific breeders due to the fact that they don’t come from the wild. They tend to be a little smaller than average but only slightly.
Green Cory Catfish
Green Cory catfish are very popular among aquarium enthusiasts. Largely because of their attractive green markings is partly because of their neat looking green accents that you can see on their sides, and their passive nature. Although all types of these fish have peaceful nature, the Green Cory catfish take it to a different level. They’re about as timid as it gets!
Panda Cory Catfish
This is another species that receives a lot of attention. The Panda Cory catfish gets its name due to the white primary coloring on their body (occasionally orange) and the black markings around their eyes. This gives them a distinct appearance that resembles a panda bear.
Peppered Cory Catfish
Peppered Cory catfish are a highly sought after species and they are what a lot of people are referring to when discussing this type of fish. It’s also commonly known as the “spotted Cory catfish”. Their body typically has a brownish hue with scattered darker spots throughout.
Pygmy Cory Catfish
The Pygmy Cory catfish (Corydoras pygmaeus) gets its name for a reason. These guys are one of the smallest species, with an average length of one inch.
Because of this, it’s important to take extra care to ensure their safety in the tank by avoiding pairing them with potentially harmful fish. They tend to get stressed easier than other Corydoras, so it’s essential to create a comfortable environment for them in your tank.
Julii Cory Catfish
This is another small species that is hard to be found in aquarium stores or even with Cory breeders. Their entire body is covered with very spotty pattern and are known for their expressive eyes.
Emerald Cory Catfish
This is one of our favorite types without a doubt. They possess a very colorful and sharp green tone to their bodies that shines brilliantly in certain angles underwater. If you desire a fish that will really color up your aquarium, then the Emerald Cory catfish is the one for you.
Cory Catfish Care
Corydoras are hardy and pleasant fish with very low maintenance. If you’re someone who prefers a low-stress and aquarium experience, this is a great fish for you.
It’s essential to note that Cory catfish are susceptible to stress during transport and acclimatization to new tank conditions, which can result in the unfortunate loss of the fish shortly after bringing it home from the store.
For this reason, try to be extra careful when bringing them home. Also, try to ensure that the tank water conditions at home are similar to what they are used to.
To maintain the health of your Cory’s catfish, it’s important to keep the tank condition stable. Partially change the water each week can prevent the buildup of nitrates, which even in small amounts can weaken the fish’s immune system, especially barbel infections.
In addition to harming to the catfish itself, a stressed catfish can release toxins that are detrimental to other fish in your tank, and in severe cases, may lead to their death.
Cory catfish are highly social creatures, and its best to keep them in groups with their own species. Four, five or preferably six or more fish will happily swim and interact together. A happy fish is a healthy fish, and you’ll be happier too when you watch their water ballet moves!
Preventing Disease
Like many other fish species, Cory catfish are susceptible to Ich, or white spot disease. This is one of the most widespread disease in fish and can damage the fish’s skin and gills, compromising the fish’s respiratory system and ultimately leading to death.
Preventing Ich is the best way to avoid Ich is by quarantining new fish and aquarium plants before placing them in your tank. It’s essential to wash your hands without your hands before and after working with your tank and using separate equipment for each tank to minimize the risk of infection.
Average Lifespan
The Cory catfish is low-maintenance and can live between five and seven years in the wild but when kept in ideal conditions in captivity it can live more than 20 years.
This means if you take the necessary steps to provide adequate care and ensure their well-being, they can be with you for a while!
Recommended Tank And Water Conditions
Like any fish, Corydoras will do best if they are in a proper tank with stable water conditions. Although they are hardy fish that don’t need a lot of special care, there are some basics that you need to be aware of.
Tank Size
The tank size required for keeping Cory catfish depends on the species, as there are many. A 10-gallon tank can get the job done but you will need to go larger, preferably 20 or 30, if you keep several species.
For beginning aquarist we recommend at least a 20-gallon tank when keeping a school of five or more Cory catfish. As you increase the number of fish you should allocate an extra 2 to 4 gallons per fish.
Water Parameters
As a typical tropical fish, the Corydoras requires stable water conditions that replicate their natural habitat. Deviations from this range can cause stress and health issues.
- Water Temperature: Between 70°F-80°F
- pH Levels: 6.0-8.0 (this can vary based on the
- Alkalinity Levels: 3-10 dKH
Note: The pH requirement may differ, however, as fish bred in captivity need a level between 7.0 and 7.8, while Corydoras bred in the wild may require a lower pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Be sure to regularly test the water for nitrate levels. Partial water changes to maintain low nitrate levels. Even small amounts of ammonia and nitrite can be perilous to Cory catfish, and it is essential to maintain these levels at 0 ppm.
Additional Tank Suggestions
Cory catfish spend majority of their time at the very lowest levels of the water, therefore keep at least 2 inches of substrate on the bottom of the tank. It’s advisable to opt for soft sand, as gravel or rocky surfaces can damage the fish’s fins, underside, and barbels.
Also make sure to give them a shady hiding spot, such as caves or driftwood.
Plants and Cory catfish are a match made in heaven. Provide them with what they want!
The plants also creates an area shaded from the light that mimics their native habitant. However, they also admire high water flow where they can swim along with others of their species in the higher levels of the tank.
Although Cory catfish are very adaptable and can thrive under any type of lighting, they prefer a lower-light environment of their natural waters. Your plants, however, need sufficient lighting. LED lighting is a great choice for both, as it lasts longer produces less heat than traditional lighting.
Lastly, make sure that your tank is covered because these fish have a habit of jumping to the surface for a gulp of air or a bite of food. With the help of their special intestinal lining, Cory catfish actually developed the ability to breathe oxygen from the atmosphere, and this behavior persists even in waters that contain low oxygen levels. This behavior remains even in water where the oxygen is sufficient.
Food & Diet
In their native habitat, Cory catfish search in the substrate for worms, small insects and larvae by digging into it with their mouths and sucking up the food, they often dig so deep that their face become covered! They are also happy eating vegetable matter that falls into the water.
Sinking pellets are the best Cory catfish food to replicate their natural wild diet in captivity and. Bottom feeder tablets, algae wafers and shrimp pellets are also excellent choices, although they are omnivorous means they will also consume flakes.
Bloodworms and Daphnia are excellent treats. Try to occasionally provide a variety of food to Cory catfish to ensure they receive get all the necessary nutrients.
It’s recommended to feed your fish once a day, providing only as much as they can eat within 5 minutes, and promptly removing the leftover. Also, keep in mind that Cory catfish may occasionally consume small eggs of other fish species!
Typical Behavior & Temperament
One of the reasons why Cory catfish are popular among aquarists is their sweet temperament, they are known for their docile nature and spend the most of their time at the bottom of the tank, peacefully scavenging for food or resting.
Cory catfish are known for their peaceful temperament, which is one of the reasons why they’re a popular choice among aquarists. Although they can survive alone, they thrive in the company of their own kind. They often feed together, but they are most likely to stick together during resting time.
Overall these are about the least aggressive fish to be found in the market. They won’t attack others and they may hide rather than defend themselves against potential attackers.
Good Tank Mates
Cory catfish are best kept with other Corys, including those of other species, as they’ll gladly school in groups of five or six. They are also known to school with other timid fish of similar colors, such as tetras, wich is a natural behavior.
Peaceful fish that can get along with Corydoras include colorful, live-bearing fish, such as guppies, platies, swordtails, and mollies. In addition, other types of aquarium catfish, including Otocinclus and plecos, will peacefully get along with your fish, as will fan and filter shrimp and freshwater snails.
Bad Tank Mates
It is important to avoid keeping Corys in a tank with aggressive fish. Here are some common types to avoid :
- Cichlids (African and Jack Dempseys being two popular varieties)
- Oscars
- Barbs
One common question that a lot of beginners have is if they can keep a Cory with a betta fish. While it is possible if your betta is peaceful (caution is still advised), but if it’s aggressive then it’s best to avoid pairing them with a Cory altogether.
In summary, even the best possible scenario of pairing aggressive fish with Cory catfish can result in the poor fish being under a tremendous amount of stress, as aggressive fish can attack, injure, or even kill them.
Breeding Cory Catfish
If you are interested in Breeding Cory catfish, creating a comfortable and secure environment is crucial, provided you set up a tank strategy that helps the fish feel secure and comfortable enough to spawn. There are two basic options that you can choose from: a dedicated breeding tank or a dedicated fry tank.
Option 1: Dedicated Breeding Tank
The dedicated breeding tank approach requires setting up a separate tank exclusively for breeding purposes. This tank typically has minimal or no substrate, so it’s very easy to clean. You introduce the breeding group in this tank to spawn; and once they’re finished, you return the adults back to the main tank and leave the fry in the breeding tank where they can have a better chance of survival.
Option 2: Dedicated Fry Tank
The Dedicated Fry Tank method involves transferring the eggs that have been laid in the main tank. You then transfer the eggs to the fry tank where they can hatch and grow. This method is easier for you and less stressful on the adult fish; however, the fry may have a lower chance of survival compared to using dedicated breeding tank.
To encourage spawning, provide your Corydoras with several small meals a day that consist of a high-protein diet, including live or frozen foods and high-quality prepared flakes or pellets. After one to two week, the females should “show” they’re carrying eggs.
If your Corys don’t spawn on their own, you can try to stimulate breeding by replacing 25 to 50 percent of the water with cooler water (about 2 to 3 degrees cooler), which mimics the temperature drop during the rainy season when they naturally breed in the wild. However, be sure not to let the water temperature drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Wrap Up
As you can see, Cory catfish can be a great addition to your tank. They will enhance the look and feel of your tank with their vibrant colors and peaceful nature, and are compatible with other community fish.
Caring for them is also quite effortless, which is a big plus in our book. Sometimes more challenging fish can be rewarding, not everyone desires that kind of experience.
We’re big fans of this fish and we highly recommend giving this fish a chance. We think you’ll be extremely happy with them!
