PARALLELUS CW127 CORYDORAS

Natural Range: Rio Jamanxim, Brazil

Estimated Size at Shipping: 1.25-1.5"

Max Size: 2-2.5"

Corydoras type fishes come from 9 distinct lineages. For the most part, the species in the Brochis, Aspidoras, and Scleromystax lineages have already been assigned to distinct genera. The remaining lineages are also likely to be split into their own genera once taxonomists get around to reviewing the groupings.

Overview: A highly sought after but rare species, this is a strikingly patterned catfish. There are two bold vertical stripes, one running through the eye and the other running up the body and through the first few rays of the dorsal fin. This is complimented by two bold horizontal stripes beginning beneath the dorsal fin and terminating at the start of the tail fin. These are

Almost all Corydoras are perfect citizens in a peaceful community aquarium. There are hundreds of species with a wide range of colors, patterns, and fin shapes. Affectionately referred to as Corys, these small catfish are always entertaining as they clown around together searching for food. They are usually non-aggressive, relying on their heavy body armor to protect them. Corys live by the phrase "make love, not war," spawning in large communal aggregations without combat or displays of dominance. Because of their peaceful nature, there is usually never any worry about stress due to bullying or hierarchy disputes.

Something interesting about these catfish is how they supplement their oxygen intake by breathing atmospheric air. They do this by darting up to the surface, taking a gulp of air, and darting back down to the substrate. This is perfectly normal behavior which adds to the charm of their clownish behavior.

Setting

Setup Considerations: Corydoras can be found on a wide range of substrates in the wild ranging from mud to sand to rock. However, all the species we have kept have greatly appreciated a substrate of fine sand which they constantly sift through for food, often burying their faces up to their eyeballs as they push into the sand. Fine sand is not strictly necessary and they will do just fine on a wide variety of substrates, or even on the glass bottom of an aquarium, but, if you can provide sand, you will see a lot of really enjoyable behavior as they root around for food.

Specific Care Requirements: This fish is highly gregarious and only truly thrives when kept in groups...the bigger the better.

Diet

Omnivore. Corydoras need protein rich foods in order to thrive. Unfortunately, they are often sold as "cleaner" fish with the expectation that they will get enough nutrition by sucking algae and other gunk from the substrate. While they do need some plant matter in their diet, they are not effective algae eaters. In fact, for optimal health, it is recommended that they be target fed a variety of sinking pellets and wafers, as well as the occasional offering of frozen and live foods. They can eat quite a lot, but are somewhat slow feeders. We have found that regularly feeding long-lasting foods such as large pellets, wafers, and Repashy and letting the Corys graze on these foods for a few hours at a time helps keep them fat and sassy.