Description

Corydoras catfish, or cory catfish, are widely adored for their peaceful, hardy, and lively nature. These small, attractive fish are also helpful in keeping your aquarium clean as they are bottom feeders and scavengers. They play an essential role in removing uneaten food and debris from the substrate. However, as they search for food, they can stir up algae and muck, so while they assist in cleaning, additional help from snails, shrimp, or other scavengers is beneficial.

Corys should be kept in schools, ideally of at least three or more, as they are social animals and thrive in groups. They do best with small, peaceful tankmates such as small barbs, danios, livebearers, killifish, small tetras, and dwarf cichlids. Corys are not suited for aquariums with large or aggressive fish, and they prefer cooler water, so avoid pairing them with species that require higher tropical temperatures.

Corys are known for their sharp barbs located near the eyes, adipose fin, and dorsal fin, which serve as a defense mechanism against larger fish. While they are generally peaceful and active during the day, they are also known to remain in one spot for extended periods while scavenging for food. Corys prefer the company of their own species and thrive in shoals.

An interesting behavior of corys is their ability to produce sound by moving their pectoral fins. This is typically observed during courtship or when juveniles are socially distressed.

Overall, cory catfish are a wonderful addition to any peaceful aquarium, thriving in groups and contributing to tank cleanliness.