Fish
Reticulated Cory
Corydoras reticulatus
Origin: The reticulated cory comes from the upper Amazon in Peru and Brazil. It inhabits tributaries and forest streams with soft, slightly acidic water, sandy beds, and cover of driftwood and leaf litter.
Also known as: Network cory, Corydoras reticulatus
Fact sheet
- Size
- 7 cm
- Lifespan
- 7 years
- Minimum tank size
- 100 L
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness GH
- 2–18 °dH
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Group size
- 6+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Bottom
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Jumps out
- No
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The reticulated cory is recognised by its beautiful net-like pattern of dark lines on a pale body, resembling a web or lace. It is a peaceful, hardy, medium-sized bottom fish kept in a group of at least 6. It suits a community tank with small peaceful species. Like other corydoras it constantly explores soft substrate in search of food.
Appearance
The body is stocky, up to 6–7 cm long. A network of dark wavy lines runs over a pale grey or beige ground, forming the characteristic reticulated pattern. The dorsal fin has a large dark blotch. Males usually show a sharper pattern; females are larger and fuller.
Care
A tank of at least 100 L with soft sandy substrate and cover. Temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.0–7.5, hardness GH 2–18. Clean water, good filtration, and 25–30% weekly water changes are needed. Use sand or rounded gravel.
Feeding
An omnivorous bottom catfish. It takes sinking tablets and pellets, live or frozen bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex. Feed once or twice daily, making sure food reaches the bottom.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling fish. Excellent with tetras, rasboras, danios, and dwarf cichlids. Large aggressive species are unsuitable. Keep in groups of at least 6.
Breeding
Breeding follows the general corydoras pattern with a cool, soft water change. The female carries the eggs in a pelvic-fin 'pouch'. Remove the adults; the fry hatch in 3–5 days.
Fun facts
The net-like pattern gives the species its name reticulatus ('reticulated'). Similar species (such as Corydoras sodalis) differ in the details of the netting. Like all corydoras it can breathe through the gut, gulping air at the surface.