Corydoras Catfish: A Peaceful Fish with Many Varieties

Corydoras Catfish are a family of fish that is known for being peaceful and have many varieties. Corydoras Catfish, as the name implies, have whiskers or tentacles on their face which make them look like cats! Corydoras catfish are also very similar in water requirements, with most species having white background colors. Corydoras Fish owe their name to this appearance because they resemble cats with whiskers. Fish in the Corydoras genus are classified as armored catfish since they have substantial plates that cover their bodies.

Some 180 species of Corydoras catfish are found in the wild, but there are many more similarities between fish than differences. For example, all corydoras catfish are mostly in South America and are small catfish, typically less than 7 centimeters in length. They inhabit the entire planet, except for the poles. They live in rivers, lakes, lagoons, and the sea. The corydoras catfish are excellent caretakers of the balance of the aquarium, as they eat remains of food from the bottom before they rot. They also eat the algae that grow in glass and plants.

Corydoras Catfish

Characteristics of Corydoras Catfish

Corydoras catfish are all peaceful fish, which require very similar water conditions. Despite the many species of Corydoras, all these catfish tend to have a white, silver, or brown background color. This species owes its name to its appearance due to its whiskers, or tentacles that extend from its upper jaw. In some species, they also show these chins in the lower jaw, which is very similar to a cat.

The catfish are a very common species of water and belong to the family Pimelodidae, which comes from the Greek, and means, obese, or fat, so it is presumed, that this name was also put due to the fatness of its body, and its oily flesh. Many fish of this species have spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins.

These thorns this species usually use as a defense mechanism against their predators and hunters. Sometimes, these thorns can be poisonous, which is even more harmful to humans. Different families live in America, and some of its members have a bone plate, which is covered by smooth skin.

Also, these fish have two pairs of barbels, some shorter than the others. They also have a wider than the elongated head, the upper jaw projects in front of the lower jaw. And his chins or whiskers are his best ally since these allow him to detect both the physical changes and the chemical changes in the environment.

The Corydoras catfish, who have small eyes and a large number of small teeth, consists of a back and flanks of grayish color. And in the lower part of its belly, it is white; some species are justified, but most catfish are matte. Unlike other fish, catfish lack scales, since they have smooth skin, and in most species, the dorsal fin has two spines; where the first is shorter than the other.

Weight of Fish

The size of these fish is very varied since they can go from two inches to two meters in theory. At first, the catfish usually weighed 20 kilograms, but this weight was reduced to 8 and 6 kilograms. But at present, in general, most fish of this species are between 2 and 4.5 kilograms in weight. These species are not territorial and are more comfortable in the presence of others of their species.

Although these small catfish are typically peaceful, the amateur breeder must provide sufficient areas of hiding and rest for each fish. Corydoras should always be housed in small groups in the aquarium. As these catfish are so peaceful, groups can be composed of different species. There are predatory species and others more timid and herbivorous.

Parameters of water

The many species of Corydoras catfish are very similar in behavior and physical appearance, and all tend to tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Corydoras prefer well-oxygenated water, but the members of this interesting family can swallow atmospheric oxygen from the surface of the water.

As a family of fish, corydoras catfish tend to be more active during the night. The different species of Corydoras catfish like broad leaves of aquatic vegetation or driftwood during the day. The water temperature should be between 22 and 26º C.

Aquarium

The aquarium should include rocks and trunks. The trunks must be made of natural wood since this is part of their natural diet. The vegetation must be abundant since some plants will serve as food and others as shelter. These fish are usually in their hiding places for many hours of the day and go out to look for food remains during the night.

This is a fish that can be obtained more easily in freshwater. And is extremely craved by fishermen, by the exquisite taste of its meat, and by the showy of its whiskers. According to an ancient myth, it was believed that the whiskers of this fish were stinging. So people could not approach him without protective gloves, for fear of being hurt. But the reality is even more dangerous since it is the fins of their fins, which are the most harmful to man.

Reproduction

These fish reach sexual maturity when they measure between twenty-five and thirty centimeters long. Or the three hundred and fifty grams of weight; but it is when they reach a weight of four and a half kilos or two or four years when they achieve sexual fullness. Corydoras catfish can be reproduced in aquariums, keep in mind that it is better to have partners.

The reproduction of the catfish has a lot to do with the temperature of the water and its environment. Therefore, it is carried out in summer, when the temperature is close to twenty-two degrees, between May and August, and the female only spawns once a year. The male can fecundate several females; which takes place in the superficial flooded areas of rivers, lakes, and streams. The males are very territorial and tend to dispute territories somewhat aggressively. The female lays eggs that the male takes care of with great zeal.

Feeding

The Corydoras catfish are completely vegetarian and very peaceful, and other carnivorous catfish, and extremely aggressive. However, most fish remain hidden in the mud of the streams and rivers, where they wait placidly for the current to bring them their food. For this reason, they are not considered as hunting strategists, but rather, as opportunists.

Because instead of spending their energies looking for good prey to feed themselves, they expect it to reach their mouths. These fish feed on fish and invertebrates, such as crabs, mollusks, aquatic plants, eggs of other fish, decomposing vegetation, carrion, snails, leeches, worms, and other smaller fish. These are nocturnal fish, so their feeding usually happens at night. Usually, this species uses its smell and whiskers to detect and find its food.

Habitat

The corydoras catfish may well live in rivers, or in the sea; although usually, it is a freshwater fish, and that is where its main predator, man, most seeks it. People who love fishing know that no matter what instruments are counted if you are not in the justified place, you will not get even one catfish corydora. You may also like to read Plecostomus

These fish usually live in ravines and waterfalls, in this, they have a lot of similarities with seabass. Because they like to be under stones, palisades, trunks, and in general, they like deep places. As well as near the sardine banks, which is one of your favorite foods. Although they prefer large rivers and their tributaries with warm waters, they can also be found in streams, small rivers, and lakes. There are also catfish that live in backwaters and lagoons. And even some can live in dirtier waters of reservoirs and ponds, which contain muddy and sandy bottoms.

FAQ

Do Cory catfish clean the tank?

Yes, Cory catfish do help clean the tank. They are bottom-dwelling scavengers, which means they eat leftover food and debris from the tank floor. This helps keep the tank clean and clear of excess waste that can cause water quality issues. Cory catfish also help to aerate the substrate and stir up debris, allowing for better water circulation throughout the aquarium.

Can you touch Cory’s catfish?

Yes, you can touch Cory catfish. They are known to be quite friendly and enjoy interacting with their owners. When you do decide to touch them, it’s important to do so gently. Cory catfish have delicate skin that can tear easily if touched too roughly.

Do cory catfish need to be in pairs?

Cory catfish, also known as Corydoras, are a popular freshwater fish that can be kept in aquariums. While they do not necessarily need to be kept in pairs, there are some benefits to keeping them in groups of two or more.

Conclusion

Corydoras catfish are all peaceful fish, which require very similar water conditions. Despite the many species of Corydoras, all these catfish tend to have a white, silver, or brown background color. This species owes its name to its appearance due to its whiskers, or tentacles that extend from its upper jaw. And in some species, they also show these chins in the lower jaw, which is very similar to a cat. In this article, we’ve covered what you need to know about owning and caring for them properly so make sure you read over it before adding one into your aquarium! If you want help picking out the perfect fish for your tank contact us.

As a Reference: Wikipedia

 

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