Fish
Agassiz's Cory
Corydoras agassizii
Origin: Agassiz's cory comes from the upper Amazon — the river basins of Peru, Brazil, and neighbouring areas. It inhabits soft, slightly acidic waters of forest streams and tributaries with sandy beds, plentiful leaf litter, and driftwood.
Also known as: Corydoras agassizii
Fact sheet
- Size
- 6 cm
- Lifespan
- 7 years
- Minimum tank size
- 80 L
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 2–15 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 6+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
Agassiz's cory is a calm, schooling armoured catfish valued for its neat spotted-and-striped pattern and peaceful nature. Like all corydoras it is a bottom fish constantly searching the substrate for food. Keep it in a group of at least 6; in a shoal the catfish are more active and confident. The species is undemanding and suits a community tank with small peaceful fish. The key requirement is soft substrate without sharp edges and clean, well-filtered water.
Appearance
The body is stocky, covered by two rows of bony plates, up to 6 cm long. The ground is pale grey with scattered dark spots that merge into a reticulated pattern; a dark band crosses the eye and a darker zone runs along the back. The dorsal fin is tall with a dark blotch. Females are larger and fuller than males.
Care
A tank of at least 80 L with soft sandy substrate and cover of driftwood and plants. Temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness GH 2–15. Good filtration, clean water, and 25–30% weekly water changes are needed. Sharp substrate damages the barbels, so use sand or rounded gravel.
Feeding
An omnivorous bottom catfish. It takes sinking tablets and pellets, live or frozen bloodworm, tubifex, and daphnia, plus scraps that fall to the bottom. Make sure food reaches the bottom so the catfish does not go hungry. Feed once or twice daily, preferably in the evening.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling fish for a community tank. Excellent with tetras, rasboras, danios, dwarf cichlids, and other calm species. Large aggressive or territorial tankmates are unsuitable. Keep in groups of at least 6.
Breeding
Breeding follows the general corydoras pattern: trigger it with a water change to cooler, softer water. A pair or group deposits eggs into a 'pouch' formed by the female's pelvic fins, which she then sticks to glass and plants. Remove the adults; the fry hatch in 3–5 days.
Fun facts
Corydoras can gulp atmospheric air at the surface and absorb oxygen through the gut. The species is named after the naturalist Louis Agassiz. The barbels are a sensitive food-finding organ easily damaged by sharp substrate.