By: Steven Sannan
Submitted: 2010-04-15 16:15:08 | Word Count: 712
Our readers may not know this, but there are actually over 180 species of Corydoras in the world today, with about 20 or so species that regularly appear for sale at your local fish stores. Because the care of the different species is so similar, and the only main difference is in the fish s markings, we have included a general entry for all available species rather than the individual varieties. There are one or two exceptions, which may stay smaller than the norm, and these will be listed separately. As a quick side note, some species, such as the albino, peppered, and bronze varieties, can live in cooler water down to 68F, for all others it is best to follow this general entry.
In their natural environment, Corydoras are generally found in smaller sized streams, pools along larger rivers, as well as in marshes and scattered ponds. They are native to slow moving and almost still (but seldom stagnant) streams and small rivers of South America where water is shallow and very clear.
[ advertisement ]
Corydoras are ideal additions to most community tanks, as they are peaceful scavengers, growing to between 1 and 4.5 inches in length. These little fish have lots of character, and are almost constantly on the move, searching for bits of food. Being a bottom dweller, sinking types of food will be required, and the substrate in your tank should be somewhat fine and smooth to avoid damage to the fish s delicate barbells. While most specimens come from slightly acidic waters, they are very adaptable and most will acclimate to harder water. It is always best to check the conditions your retailer is keeping them in, since sudden changes in pH will not be tolerated. Good filtration is important for long term health so make sure you carry out regular water changes to keep nitrate levels low.
As a shoaling species, we advise to keep Corydoras in small groups of five or more fish. Although they may look somewhat similar, different species of Corydoras may not group together; so make sure you have groups of each species if keeping more than one type.
Cory Cats are extremely easy to keep. They ll prove to be a welcome addition for your aquarium, by being peaceful, small, hardy, active, and entertaining. Occasionally they will dart to the surface, sticking their snout above the water for an instant to take a breath of air. This behavior is perfectly normal and is not an indication that anything is wrong with the fish. That little gulp of air is then absorbed into the fishes intestine. Nature s way of allowing these little guys to adapt and survive in low oxygen bodies of water. If done in excess however, may indicate poor water conditions.
Breeding Corydoras can be fun, and really not very difficult. Of course some species are easier than others. Generally fish that were hatched in captivity are easier to breed in captivity. Wild caught specimens can prove to be more difficult. You’ll need a minimum of two males and a female. They do breed best in larger groups though. One trio laying eggs tends to trigger the others. Give them a large shallow tank. One trick you can try to stimulate activity, is to add a couple of cups of ice cubes (simulates rainfall) and watch for them to breed in the morning. Corydoras lay their eggs on the glass, broad plant leaves or your filter stems. Remove the parents or the eggs. Parents will eat the eggs if left in the same tank. Use a single edged razor blade to (carefully) slice off the eggs after they harden and put them in a half filled pre prepared tank. Generally there will be from between 100 and 200 eggs from each spawning female. Eggs will hatch in about 7 days. Newly hatched Corydoras should be fed microworms, newly hatched brine shrimp or commercially prepared fry foods.
Where investigated Corydoras sp. have been shown to be diurnal and crepuscular rather than nocturnal and activity can even peak at twilight. Corydoras are very good choices for the home aquarium, and are widely kept throughout the world. Their longevity in the aquarium is noteworthy; Corydoras aeneus is said to have lived 27 years in captivity and 20 years is not too uncommon.
Author Resource:-
Steven Sannan is currently a member of the http://www.tropicalfishtreasure.com staff, with 35+ years of fishkeeping experience. Experience that includes extensive freshwater, saltwater and pond keeping knowledge.
