Skunk Corydoras (Corydoras arcuatus) Breeding Guide
Breeding Corydoras arcuatus: sexing by body shape and the documented Corydoras cooler-water, T-position spawning pattern, with species water parameters.
Overview
Corydoras arcuatus occurs throughout the upper Amazon region in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, upriver of the confluence of the Rio Negro and Amazon main channel, and reaches 50-55 mm standard length. It is an egg-depositing catfish.
Sexing
Females tend to grow larger, and sexually mature individuals are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when gravid.
Conditioning
Condition the group on a varied diet until the females are visibly full of eggs. Keep the fish within the species range of 20-28 degrees C, pH 5.0-7.5 and a hardness of 36-215 ppm.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As documented across the genus Corydoras, spawning is triggered by a large (50-70%) water change with cooler water and increased oxygenation and flow, repeated daily until the fish spawn. During the classic T-position the male grasps the female's barbels between his pectoral fin and body, and the female forms a basket with her pelvic fins to deposit eggs, normally on the aquarium glass or on fine-leaved plants and spawning mops.
Egg & Fry Care
Following the genus pattern, eggs hatch within a few days and the fry accept small live foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii once their yolk sacs are absorbed, faring best over a thin layer of sand with excellent water quality.