Corydoras Catfish

There are about 150 species of fish, which belong to the genus corydoras. Due to which fish keepers have a wide variety of fish to choose from for their aquarium. As a matter of fact, a lot of people opt for this fish as they are undemanding and have a great personality. The corydoras catfish species are known to be social in nature. They should not be kept in solitude. They need to be kept in a group of three, but they are the happiest, when there are at least six in the group. They belong to freshwater temperate and tropical catfish family. They are said to be belong to the armored catfish family. The name of the fish is derived from Greek words, namely kory and doras, which stand for helmet and skin respectively. We will now read more than the cory catfish.

Information about Corydoras Catfish

You will be happy to know, that the cory catfish are peaceful as well as very entertaining in nature. They can be kept in the aquarium as scavengers in a freshwater aquarium. They are able to survive in different types of water. They are apt for aquarium at home, as they do not grow very large in size. They have gone onto become of the favorite aquarium fish.

Physical Description

Different species of corydoras catfish have similar appearances. The main difference lies in the size, color of the fish and the markings on the fish. The most important physical trait of the corydoras is that they have four barbells located closer to their mouth. These help them to find food, which is hidden in the layer of the substrate. Unlike the other fish, these fish do not have scales on their bodies, but have armor on their body. The armor consists of bony plates, which is able to protect the fish. Some of the species of these fish are known to swallow air from the surface of the water. The water is then passed into the swim bladder. Oxygen is extracted from water in the swim bladder. This helps the cory catfish to survive in water, which is deprived of water as well.

Care Tips

The cory catfish are the perfect aquarium catfish. They are very easy to take care of. I have previously mentioned, that they are social in nature. They are also known to be very peaceful in nature. Therefore, it is best not to keep them with the warring fish, as the warring fish can cause harm to them. However, there are a number of other fish which you can keep with them in the aquarium. It is important to have a soft substrate, when you plan to keep the cory catfish in the aquarium, as they scavenge the floor for food. Corydoras catfish size is around 2.5 inches. They will have to be kept between 72 degrees Fahrenheit to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, as they are a temperate fish. They are essentially found around South America. They have a lifespan between 3 and 5 years.

Corydoras catfish breeding in captivity is difficult. In some very rare cases, has breeding of corydoras catfish given positive results. 10 gallon or larger tank will be required to keep the fish. These fish are known as bottom feeders. They are often seen scavenging around the tank for food. Its best to add algae to their diet, which will sink to the bottom of the tank. When in wild, they are seen eating insects,worms, larvae, dead fish, etc. Distinguishing the male and the female fish is not difficult. The females are larger as compared to the males. Female cory catfish are also rounder in comparison to their counterparts.

When you bring corydoras catfish at home as pets, you may have to keep varying the temperature a little to know what is the best for the species. If you see the cory catfish coming out of water to breathe, remember it is normal for them to do so.