Where Do Cory Catfish Come From: The Ultimate Guide to Knowing Corydoras

Cory catfish are a type of catfish that are easy to keep and have a lot of personalities. They look good in the aquarium, but they also provide a lot of entertainment. Corys are known for their curious nature and love to explore their surroundings. They are also good at keeping temps stable in the aquarium, so they are excellent for beginner fish keepers.

The cory catfish originates from the Amazon River basin in South America. In addition, the cory catfish have adapted over the years to inhabit most of its ocean territory throughout the Amazon River basin.

Cory Catfish: Species Overview

Description

The cory catfish is a small-sized catfish that can grow up to 1 to 4 inches long and weigh 11.2 grams. The cory exhibits a characteristic barbless jaw and two dorsal fins located next to the tail fin. Corys also possess three pairs of vertical barbel scales on their throat. The cory catfish typically lives up to 5 years in captivity.

Appearance

The cory catfish is a sluggish and inactive fish that mostly spends its time hiding in the bottom of the aquarium. The cory catfish is a peaceful fish that should be kept in an aquarium with other non-aggressive species. This fish does not require much special care, but some water changes and live food additions may be necessary regularly. In addition, cory catfish in large shipments may be infertile due to stress, poor water quality, or parasitic infection.

Colors, Patterns, Fins, and Sex Differences

The cory catfish is a solid reddish-brown color with dark spots. There are usually no distinct male or female colors, but the fish tend to grow larger and have more male sports than females. The fins of both sexes are similar in shape and size, but the dorsal fin is typically slightly longer in males, and the spots on the fins are more distinct in males.

Habitat

The cory catfish inhabits permanent and temporary water bodies, including lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and ponds. In addition, you can find the cory catfish dwelling in the Amazon River basin. The Amazon River does not have a fixed length of water where it carries on with its natural course; instead, this river possesses an Afromontane climate type and gradient.

Distribution

The cory catfish is found throughout the Amazon River basin, including Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia. In addition, the cory catfish are also found in Venezuela and portions of the Amazon River. In addition, a majority of what has considered part of the Caiman family inhabits most parts of this river basin.

Diet

The cory catfish feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, including worms, crayfish, and insects. However, this fish will also consume small vertebrates. In addition, members of the cichlid families, vertebrates (including live fish), and various invertebrates are also part of this catfish’s diet.

Availability

The cory catfish is not commonly available in pet stores but can be found online or in specialty fish retailers.

Cory Catfish: Domestication

The cory catfish is not a good pet choice for the average person. This fish should only be purchased and kept by experienced aquarists who have the proper setup and facilities to house, care for and handle this species responsibly.

There is currently no record of the cory catfish attacking humans. However, as with all fish, interactions between these animals and people can be unpredictable and dangerous if not handled properly. In addition, catfish are susceptible to parasite infection and may transmit parasites.

Habitat

Cory catfish is a slow-growing fish that you should introduce into a well-established aquarium environment and contains appropriate tankmates. However, this fish does not make a good pet choice for the average person and should only be purchased by experienced aquarists who can care for it properly.

Care in Captivity

General care for cory catfish should include a clean and healthy aquarium with plenty of swimming room. The water temperature should be around 78 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), and you should maintain the pH level at 7.0 to 8.0. In addition, this fish requires a rich diet that includes live food such as bloodworms, crayfish, and other insects.

Behavior

The cory catfish is a peaceful fish that should be kept in an aquarium with other non-aggressive species. This fish does not require much special care, but some water changes and live food additions may be necessary regularly.

Reproduction

The cory catfish is a tricky species to breed in captivity. The males are territorial and aggressive towards other males, and females may not willingly spawn with male cory catfish. In addition, this fish has a short life span and is sensitive to environmental stressors such as low oxygen levels. In addition, cory catfish in large shipments may be infertile due to stress, poor water quality, or parasitic infection.

Compatibility

While cory catfish make a beautiful addition to an aquarium, they should only be purchased by experienced aquarists who can care for them properly. This fish is not as active as other species and does not require much attention from the owner. If you doubt whether or not this is the right fish for your aquatic environment, please consult with a professional before purchasing.

Predators, Parasites & Diseases

The cory catfish is a slow-growing fish that should not be exposed to other fast-moving fish or any larger predatory fish species. Still, this aquarium environment can usually deal with several small and short-term white spot outbreaks without population problems. The only problem would be parasitic infection due to poor water quality.