Fairy Corydoras (Corydoras atropersonatus) Care Guide
Corydoras atropersonatus is a small peaceful armoured catfish of the upper Amazon, finely peppered with a dark eye mask.
Overview
Corydoras atropersonatus is a small armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae. It has fine dark peppering and a dark eye mask, and is slightly smaller than most congeners. It is a peaceful, group-living species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras atropersonatus
- Common synonyms: Salt-and-Pepper Fairy Cory
Habitat
The species occurs in the upper Amazon River basin in South America. It is a demersal freshwater fish and shows facultative air-breathing.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.2
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
An omnivore (trophic level around 3.0) that forages on the bottom. It accepts sinking prepared foods supplemented with live and frozen items.
Compatibility
A peaceful bottom dweller best kept in groups of six or more on soft substrate, ideal for planted nano tanks. Suitable companions include tetras, pencilfish and Otocinclus; aggressive fish should be avoided.
Breeding
Corydoras atropersonatus is an egg-depositor; breeding difficulty is considered intermediate.