FREE FISH CARE GUIDE Aqua Life Warrnambool Aquarium Just another reason why Aqua Life is your specialist aquarium store… Shop 16, Centrepoint Arcade 125 Liebig Street Warrnambool, VIC, 3280 CORY CATFISH
There are many different Cory (Corydoras, of the family Callichthyidae) catfish available in the hobby today, and all are quite cute and make great aquarium inhabitants. They are beneficial to the tank because they constantly scavenge the substrate for any food which would otherwise go uneaten and foul the water, they do not grow large, are very peaceful and are safe with small fish. They are, at times, blamed for the death of other fish in the tank, when they are seen feeding on the body of a tank-mate. Such instances, however, are a fish that died of other causes, on which the Cory is scavenging. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, which include: Bronze Cory, Panda Cory, Albino Cory and Pepper Cory. None are brightly coloured fish, but they have interesting markings and they provide movement and interest to the lower level of the tank. They are also quite active and chase each other about in an almost comical way. They need a tank with open areas to graze on, but provide plenty of cover in the form of plants (live or artificial), driftwood, ornaments or stones. Always keep a group – three Corys would be the minimum, but five or more is better – in order for them to feel secure and remain active. Different types of Cory will intermix just fine, but you may find a little school of Corys all the same colour / pattern will look more effective. These little bottom-dwelling fish can, on occasion, experience damage to their delicate barbels that protrude around the mouth (like whiskers) when foraging on the gravel. Ideally, very fine gravel or sand should be used on the bottom of the tank. However, most people do use normal gravel and do not normally experience any difficulty. The gravel must not be left to develop any cottony-fungus growths, as these fish will be infected when they come into contact with it. A clean tank in which no overfeeding occurs (food rotting on the bottom) should remain safe for Corys.
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ORIGIN: Depends on the type, but in general they are South American.
ADULT SIZE: 5cm / 2 inches is the average for most Cory types.
GENDER: Females are slightly larger and have more plump bodies.
PH: 6.6 - 7.0 is best.
WATER HARDNESS: Soft.
TEMPERATURE: 24 - 26º Celsius. Some Corys will tolerate temperatures as low as 20º Celsius. As such, people sometimes keep them in coldwater aquariums. This is not advisable.
DIET: Will take most foods, as long as it sinks to the bottom. They will finish off uneaten flake, but you must ensure they get enough. Try sinking pellets.
KEEP WITH: Anything peaceful. Always keep a group. Corys are safe with small fish. Large fish are alright as well, as long as their mouth is smaller than the Corys! Some suggestions are: Tetras, Barbs, Angelfish, Discus, Mollies, Platys, Guppies, Gouramis, any Cichlid that isn’t too large and most other Catfish varieties.
SPECIAL NEEDS: Sinking foods. A group of their own kind. A tropical aquarium.
All Information & Care Sheets were written by Aqua Life. Information & advice intended as a guide only. Ph: 5562 8790 Aqua Life is on Facebook! Become a Fan! FREE FISH CARE GUIDE Aqua Life Warrnambool Aquarium Just another reason why Aqua Life is your specialist aquarium store… Shop 16, Centrepoint Arcade 125 Liebig Street Warrnambool, VIC, 3280
All Information & Care Sheets were written by Aqua Life. Information & advice intended as a guide only. Ph: 5562 8790 Aqua Life is on Facebook! Become a Fan!