Corydora catfish, often just called cory cats, originate from South America. They are native to freshwater rivers, streams, and floodplains primarily in the Amazon basin and surrounding regions. They typically inhabit slow-moving or still waters with soft substrates where they scavenge for food. Their natural habitats are usually shallow waters with plenty of leaf litter, submerged roots, and vegetation — perfect for hiding and feeding on detritus, small invertebrates, and organic matter.
Behaviour
Corydoras are peaceful, social bottom feeders who enjoy groups, love to explore and scavenge, and have unique air-breathing behavior. They spend most of their time on the bottom of waterways and prefer to live in groups of 5 or 6. They are very active scavengers and will sometimes dart up to the surface for a gulp of air. They enjoy darting around and resting around plants and hiding places. They show very little aggression towards other fish even if they are slow moving. They can get shy as a single or in smaller groups.
Popular Types of Corydora Catfish
There are over 170 known species of Corydora Catfish. Some of the more popular species in the aquarium hobby are:
Albino Corydora
Known for its pale, pink appearance it is a very popular choice among fish-keepers and commonly available at local fish stores.
Bronze Corydora
One of the more common species that are readily available and has a bronze-like appearance.
Pigmy Corydora
Pigmy Corys are one of the smallest of the species, and have been gaining popularity among fish-keepers.
DEMOGRAPHICS
- Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus
- Common Name: Bronze Corydora
- Origins: South America (Amazon)
- Adult Size: 2in – 2.5in
- Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
- Diet: Omnivore
- Temperament:
- Schooling: more than 4 is best
- Breeding: Egglayer
- Care Level: Easy
IUCN STATUS
WATER PARAMETERS
- Temperature:72F to 78F
- pH: 6.5 – 7.5
- Hardness: 4 – 12 dGH
AQUARIUM SETUP
- Foods: flake food, bloodworms, brine shrimp
- Water Type: slow flowing freshwater
- Substrate: fine gravel or sand
- Tank Setup: plants and caves
- Min Tank Size: 20 gallons
TANK MATES
Corydoras can get along with many different species, including most community fish.
GOOD TANK MATES
- Tetras (Neon, Cardinal, Rummy-nose, Ember)
- Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili Rasbora)
- Guppies
- Platies
- Mollies
- Swordtails
- Danios (like Zebra Danios)
- Small peaceful gouramis (like Honey Gourami)
- Kuhli Loaches (small, eel-like loaches)
- Otocinclus catfish (small algae eaters)
- Small plecos (like Bristlenose Pleco, but not big or aggressive species)
- Amano Shrimp
- Cherry Shrimp
- Nerite Snails
- Mystery Snails
BAD TANK MATES
- Large, aggressive cichlids or other big territorial fish that may bully or eat small corys.
- Fish known to nip fins aggressively (like some barbs).
- Very large predatory fish.
