These long-lived catfish are best kept in groups in a large aquarium with a sandy substrate
Overview
Synonyms
None
Distribution
Western Amazon River basin in Ecuador and Peru. Most specimens offered for sale in the trade are captive-bred.
Maximum Size
7cm (2.76")
Temperature
20-25°C
Water Parameters
Captive-raised specimens will adapt to a wide range of water conditions, providing that good water quality is maintained.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Females grow slightly larger and appear wider when viewed from above.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
Black Band Corydoras are ideal for the community aquarium. Must be kept on a soft sand substrate and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to shoaling nature. Some shady planted areas should be provided. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. It may do this numerous times per day. Similar in appearance to Corydoras rabauti, but the fry of these species look very different to one another.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Mature pairs can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. Several reports suggest gradually lowering the water temperature to 16 °C. The pair will adopt the classic "T position" where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the female's pelvic fins. The adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated until up to 600 eggs are laid/fertilised. The eggs generally take 3-4 days to hatch after which time the tiny fry should be offered finely powdered first foods. A few days later they will be able to take newly hatched brineshrimp. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here