Julii Cory (Corydoras julii) Overview

• Common Names: Julii catfish, Julii cory, Leopard cory
• Scientific Names: Corydoras julii, Corydoras leopardus
• Size: 2.5 inches (adult)
• Life Expectancy: ~5 years
• Tank Level: Bottom dweller
• Diet: Omnivorous, prefers sinking food
• Care Level: Easy

Key Features

• Appearance: Silvery-gray body with a dark zigzag lateral stripe and small, distinct spots. Transparent dorsal fin with a black blotch.
• Unique Traits: Sensitive barbels for scavenging, eye rotation (appears to wink), and overlapping armored plates (scutes).

Distinguishing True vs. False Julii Cory

• True Julii Cory: Smaller, stouter, shorter head, rounded snout, and small, isolated spots (no reticulated patterns).
• False Julii Cory (Corydoras trilineatus): Spots often connect into reticulated patterns, particularly on the head.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons.
• Water Parameters:
• pH: 6.5 to 7.8
• Hardness: Up to 20 dGH
• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel to protect sensitive barbels.
• Decorations: Include driftwood, hiding spots, and plants (e.g., floating plants for dim lighting).
• Maintenance: Requires clean, well-filtered, oxygenated water. Avoid dirty substrate and deteriorating water conditions.

Tankmates

• Suitable: Peaceful, small fish like tetras, danios, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids.
• Avoid: Large or aggressive species.

Diet

• Primary Food: Sinking pellets or tablets.
• Supplements: Live/frozen foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms). Feed at night to align with nocturnal habits.

Breeding

• Tank Setup:
• Fine sand or bare-bottom tanks.
• pH: 6.5–7.0, Temp: ~75°F (24°C).
• Use spawning mops or fine-leaved plants.
• Sponge filter recommended for fry safety.
• Spawning Process:

1.                  Males pursue females.

2.                  Female deposits eggs in a pelvic fin basket.

3.                  Eggs are adhesive and laid in chosen spots.

4.                  Up to 100–150 eggs per spawn.

• Egg & Fry Care:
• Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.
• Prevent fungal infections with methylene blue and remove infected eggs.
• Feed fry freshly hatched brine shrimp or micro-worms.

Challenges

• Sensitive to poor water quality or dirty substrate.
• Easily starved without proper feeding of sinking food.
• Prone to crossbreeding with similar species, which may affect bloodlines.