Fairy Corydoras (Corydoras atropersonatus) Breeding Guide
How to breed Corydoras atropersonatus: 2:1 sex ratio, cooler-water trigger, eggs on glass or mops, hatch in 3-4 days, fry on microworm and Artemia over sand.
Overview
Corydoras atropersonatus is known only from the Tigre and Nanay drainage systems of Ecuador and Peru and reaches 45-50 mm standard length. It is an egg-depositing catfish bred with the standard Corydoras cooler-water trigger.
Sexing
Females are noticeably larger and rounder-bodied than males, particularly when carrying eggs.
Conditioning
Condition the group using a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Keep the fish within the species range of 21-27 degrees C, pH 5.0-7.0 and a hardness of 36-179 ppm.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Initiate spawning by performing large (50-70%) water changes with cooler water while increasing oxygenation and flow, repeated daily. Eggs are normally deposited on the aquarium glass, with fine vegetation or spawning mops as alternatives.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch in 3-4 days. Once the yolk sacs are absorbed the fry accept small live foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii, and rearing works best over a thin layer of sand rather than in a bare-bottomed tank.