Corydoras

🐟 Corydoras Catfish – Care, Types & Aquarium Guide

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Corydoras catfish are peaceful bottom dwellers perfect for community aquariums. Learn Cory care, tank size, diet, and popular species like Panda, Albino, and Sterbai.

🌊 What Are Corydoras?

Corydoras (often called Cory catfish or Corys) are small, peaceful freshwater catfish native to South America. They’re popular for their playful personalities, bottom-cleaning habits, and compatibility with community aquariums.

📏 Size & Lifespan

  • Size: 1–4 inches depending on species
  • Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care

🛠️ Tank Requirements

  • Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons for a small group
  • Water Temp: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • pH Range: 6.0–7.5
  • Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel (to protect delicate barbels)
  • Habitat: Planted tanks with hiding spots and open swimming space
  • Schooling: Keep in groups of 6+ Corydoras for natural behavior

🍴 Diet

  • Omnivorous bottom feeders
  • Staple foods: sinking pellets, wafers, and granules
  • Supplements: frozen/live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia)
  • Will clean leftover food but need their own diet (not just scraps)

🎨 Popular Corydoras Species

  • Panda Corydoras (Corydoras panda) – White body with black eye and fin markings
  • Albino Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) – White/pinkish with red eyes, hardy beginner type
  • Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) – Common, metallic bronze body
  • Sterbai Corydoras (Corydoras sterbai) – Orange fins with spotted pattern, popular for warmer tanks
  • Julii Corydoras (Corydoras julii) – Spotted, elegant markings across the body
  • Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus) – Tiny schooling Cory, great for nano tanks

✅ Why Keep Corydoras?

  • Peaceful, community-friendly fish
  • Fun, playful schooling behavior
  • Help clean excess food at the bottom
  • Wide variety of species & patterns

❓ FAQ

Q: Are Corydoras good for beginners?
Yes! Corys are hardy, peaceful, and adapt well to community aquariums.

Q: How many Cory catfish should be kept together?
At least 6 or more for healthy schooling behavior.

Q: Can Corydoras live with bettas or shrimp?
Yes, Corys are peaceful and usually make excellent tankmates for bettas, shrimp, and small fish.

Q: Do Corydoras eat algae?
Not really—they prefer sinking foods and protein, not algae like plecos or otocinclus.