Aspidoras pauciradiatus Care Guide
Aspidoras pauciradiatus, the sixray or false corydoras, is a tiny armoured catfish from the upper Araguaia basin of Brazil, kept in groups.
Overview
Aspidoras pauciradiatus, commonly called the sixray corydoras or false corydoras, is a tiny armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae, subfamily Corydoradinae, described by Weitzman & Nijssen in 1970. According to FishBase and Wikipedia the species has since been reclassified in the genus Gastrodermus, and it has also been placed historically in Corydoras. It is one of the most commonly kept Aspidoras-relatives in the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Subfamily: Corydoradinae
- Genus: Aspidoras
- Scientific name: Aspidoras pauciradiatus
- Described by: Weitzman & Nijssen, 1970
- Note: FishBase currently places this species in Gastrodermus
Habitat
According to FishBase and Wikipedia, the species occurs in the upper Araguaia River basin in Brazil. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish and a facultative air-breather. The closely related genus Aspidoras inhabits small and shallow streams draining the Brazilian Shield.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
- Substrate: soft sand
Diet
The species is an omnivore. According to Wikipedia it feeds on worms, benthic crustaceans, insects and plant matter, and FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.0. In aquaria it accepts small sinking prepared foods together with small live and frozen items appropriate to its small size.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, schooling fish that forms shoals and is best kept in groups of six or more. Because of its small adult size it suits calm community and nano aquaria with peaceful tankmates such as small tetras and rasboras, and should not be combined with aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
According to Wikipedia the species lays eggs in dense vegetation, and the adults do not guard the eggs.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).