Corydoras
Always foraging along the bottom of the tank, corydoras are charming, peaceful bottom-dwellers. They live in groups and need a soft substrate, clean water and food that reaches the bottom.
- Typical lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Social needs
- Should live in a group
- Active hours
- Active by day
- Experience level
- Suitable for beginners
Values are typical ranges and vary with breed, husbandry and the individual animal.
Quick care summary
The care essentials for Corydoras.
- Nature and behaviorThey are peaceful, social and active, and are more relaxed and lively with a group of their own kind.
- Living spaceThey need a filtered, heated aquarium with plenty of floor space for the group to roam.
- Feeding routineThey are omnivores.
- Care notesSubstrate cleaning: Vacuum the substrate regularly; a dirty bottom can affect their barbels.
In depth
In short
- Social bottom-dwellers kept in a group of their own species.
- They need a soft, smooth sand or fine gravel substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
- They are peaceful and get along with many small community fish.
- They are not leftover cleaners and need sinking food of their own.
- Darting to the surface for a gulp of air from time to time is natural behavior.
Corydoras are small catfish covered in armor-like plates, found in rivers and lakes across South America. There are many species, and all of them spend most of their time on the bottom, searching for food with their barbels.
Nature and behavior
They are peaceful, social and active, and are more relaxed and lively with a group of their own kind. They may rest during the day and become more active in the evening. Darting up to gulp air at the surface now and then is natural for these fish.
Living space
They need a filtered, heated aquarium with plenty of floor space for the group to roam. The substrate should be soft sand or fine, rounded gravel; sharp substrate can damage their sensitive barbels. Hiding places, plants and clean water in a fully cycled tank are important.
Feeding routine
They are omnivores. Sinking tablets or granules are the staple, with suitable frozen foods added now and then. The idea that they can live on other fish's leftovers is a myth; make sure food reaches the bottom. Feeding in the evening can work well for them.
Care notes
- Substrate cleaning: Vacuum the substrate regularly; a dirty bottom can affect their barbels.
- Water values: Track ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and make regular partial water changes.
- Group: A corydoras kept alone can become timid.
- Handling: The stiff spines in their fins can catch in nets; take care when moving them.
Good to know
The most important points.
- When to contact a vetIf you notice worn barbels, frayed fins, constant trips to the surface or loss of appetite, check your water values first and talk to a veterinarian experienced with ornamental fish or an experienced aquarist.
Similar animals
Other animals in the same group.
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GoldfishGoldfish are not tiny ornaments that live a few months in a bowl: in the right conditions they grow, can live for more than a decade and recognise their owners. Plenty of water, strong filtration and regular water care are their basic needs.Explore
GuppyColorful and lively, guppies are among the best-known aquarium fish. They need a cycled, heated aquarium, a small group of companions and a plan for how quickly they breed.Explore
Neon tetraWith their bright blue and red stripes, neon tetras are small, peaceful fish that swim in schools. They need a mature, calm, planted aquarium, a large group and stable water values.ExploreHappier together
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