SPOTFIN C12 CORYDORAS

Species Type:

Freshwater Fish

Description:

This species was the very first Corydoras to be described. It is one of four very similarly-patterned corys that are frequently confused and will often be seen in stores under incorrect names.

Origin & Distribution:

Origin: Suriname River basin in Suriname and Iracoubo River basin in French Guyana.

Color Form:

This species occurs in moderately-sunlit streams but its coloration will be paler under bright light. In its lighter variant, it bears a very close similarity to C. julii; both have a spotted pattern on the head and body, and like some forms of C. julii, this species has no lateral stripe along the body. The spots are larger and more numerous on fish that occur over dark substrates (mud) compared to those over sandy substrates. Also like C. julii, this species is somewhat smaller and more compact-looking in size than C. trilineatus.

Sexual Dimorphism:

Females are rounder when viewed from above and slightly longer than males, and the pectoral fins of the male are markedly longer and thicker due to the presence of a number of spikelets.

Size/Weight/Age:

Attains 2 inches.

Behavior:

All species in the genus will periodically and fairly regularly swim quickly to the surface for a gulp of air. The fish swallows the air and blood vessels in the hind gut extract oxygen from the air; it is then expelled through the vent the next time the fish breaks the surface for another gulp of air. This adaptation is believed to have evolved so that the fish can survive in poorlyoxygenated water such as drying pools during the dry season. It is however essential to the fish's well-being that it regularly swallows air. 

Habitat:

Occurs upstream in small moderately-sunny shallow creeks with sandy-muddy substrates, and on the edges of stagnant zones of flooded forest such as lakes.

Diet / Feeding:

In its habit, feeds on worms, crustaceans, insect larvae. Readily accepts prepared foods that sink such as tablet and pellet; frozen bloodworms and live worms are relished as treats. 

Water Conditions:

The Corydoras are quite sensitive to water parameters and quality, and highly intolerant of salt, chemicals and medications. Signs of stress usually begin with rapid respiration, then lethargy (often just "sitting" on plant leaves, wood or the substrate respirating heavily, sometimes near the surface) and sometimes rolling onto one side. At such signs, a partial water change of at least 50% with a good water conditioner should immediately be made, and appropriate steps taken to remove the cause. Any sudden fluctuation in water chemistry or temperature often induces shock, causing the fish to "faint" and fall over on its side.

Temp/pH range/Hardness/dH range:

Soft (hardness up to 12 dGH) acidic to very slightly basic (pH to 7.2) water, temperature 22-26C/72-79F but not warmer. Given that available fish will be wild-caught, soft and acidic water is recommended for long-term health.