Pink Corydoras (Corydoras axelrodi) Breeding Guide
How to breed Corydoras axelrodi: 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 axelrodi is apparently endemic to the Rio Meta drainage in Colombia, its type locality, and reaches 45-50 mm standard length. It is an egg-depositing catfish bred with the standard Corydoras cooler-water trigger.
Sexing
Females tend to grow larger, and sexually mature individuals are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males.
Conditioning
Condition the group using a ratio of two males per female. Keep the fish within the species range of 22-26 degrees C, pH 5.0-7.0 and a hardness of 18-215 ppm.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
When the females are visibly full of eggs, perform a large (50-70%) water change with cooler water and increase oxygenation and flow. Eggs are normally deposited on the aquarium glass, but it is recommended to provide alternatives in the form of fine-leaved vegetation or fine spawning mops.
Egg & Fry Care
Incubation is normally 3-4 days, and once the fry have fully absorbed their yolk sacs they accept small live foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii. Young fish appear less susceptible to ailments when maintained over a thin layer of sand rather than in a bare-bottomed arrangement.