These long-lived catfish are best kept in groups in a large aquarium with a sandy substrate
Overview
Synonyms
None
Distribution
Ecuador and Peru.
Maximum Size
4.5cm (1.8")
Temperature
22-26°C
Water Parameters
Will acclimatise to a wide range of conditions. pH: 5.5-7.5, dH: up to 18 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
The Fairy Cory is a pretty little species, ideally suited to smaller softwater aquaria. The substrate should consist of soft sand in order to protect the delicate barbel area, and plenty of shady hiding spots amongst bogwood and plants should be incorporated. As a sociable species, the Fairy Cory must be kept in groups of 5 or more. The aquarium must be well mature before this species is added and frequent partial water changes are a must, as they can be very sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Suitable for housing with other small peaceful tankmates such as some of the smaller fish from the tetra, pencilfish and rasbora families. 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 C. sychri, which possesses a longer snout.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Spawning attempts should be carried out in soft, slightly acidic water. Mature fish (2 males:1 female) can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. When ready to spawn, a pair should adopt the classic Corydoras "T position" where the male fertilises 3-4 eggs that are held between the females" pelvic fins. This species is said to scatter up to 75 eggs in total over dense planting.
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