Skunk Corydoras (Corydoras arcuatus) Care Guide
Corydoras arcuatus is a streamlined armoured catfish of the western Amazon, marked by a single black arched stripe from snout to tail.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Corydoras arcuatus, the skunk cory, is an armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae (subfamily Corydoradinae) described by Elwin in 1938. It is recognised by a single black arched stripe running from the snout, over the eye and along the back to the tail base. Like other corys it has spiny fins. Some specimens sold in the trade as "skunk cory" actually belong to the closely similar Hoplisoma granti, with which it was confused until 2019.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras arcuatus
- Described by: Elwin, 1938
Habitat
The species is restricted to the western Amazon basin, in small blackwater or clearwater streams of the middle Juruá and Javari river basins and near Leticia, across Brazil, Peru and Colombia. It is a demersal freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 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
Diet
An omnivore with a low trophic level (around 2.9), it forages on the bottom for small invertebrates and detritus. In aquaria it accepts sinking prepared foods plus live and frozen items.
Compatibility
An active, peaceful bottom dweller best kept in groups of six or more on soft substrate. Suitable companions include Neon Tetra, hatchetfish and Otocinclus; cichlids should generally be avoided.
Breeding
Corydoras arcuatus is an egg-depositor that produces roughly 100 eggs per spawning cycle, the female holding 2-4 eggs between her pelvic fins during fertilisation. Breeding difficulty is considered intermediate.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
Skunk Corydoras (Corydoras arcuatus) Breeding Guide
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.