Corydoras cervinus Care Guide
Corydoras cervinus is a small armoured catfish from the Guapore River basin in Brazil, a peaceful schooling bottom-dweller for soft-sand community tanks.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Corydoras cervinus is a small armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae. It is a peaceful, schooling bottom-dweller with subtle body banding.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras cervinus
Habitat
According to FishBase the species is native to the Guapore River basin in Brazil, South America. It is a demersal, tropical freshwater fish and is capable of facultative air-breathing.
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
- Adult size: up to about 5 cm SL
- Lifespan: about 5-10 years
A soft sand substrate protects the sensitive barbels, which can be damaged by sharp gravel and high nitrate.
Diet
Corydoras are omnivores that feed on bottom-dwelling insects, larvae, worms and some plant matter, locating food with their barbels. In the aquarium sinking foods offered once daily are appropriate.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, active schooling fish best kept in groups of six or more. Tetras, rasboras and otocinclus make good companions, while aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
It is an egg-depositor. Breeding is considered of intermediate difficulty.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2018.
Corydoras cervinus Breeding Guide
Overview
Corydoras cervinus is a callichthyid catfish from the Guaporé River basin in Brazil, with a maximum recorded length of about 4.9 cm. FishBase lists its preferred conditions as pH 6.0-8.0 and 22-26 °C. Detailed, species-specific spawning protocols are not documented in the consulted sources, so the genus-typical Corydoras breeding approach is described below.
Sexing
As in Corydoras generally, females are rounder and broader-bodied than males, an effect that is most apparent when viewed from above and when females are carrying eggs.
Breeding Setup
A separate spawning tank with a sand or fine-gravel base and gentle, well-oxygenated flow suits the genus. Maintain the water within the species' tolerated band of roughly 22-26 °C and pH 6.0-8.0 reported by FishBase.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Corydoras typically spawn in the T-position, in which the male clasps the female's barbels with his pectoral fin while she holds the eggs in a pelvic-fin basket for fertilisation. Cool, large water changes are the usual trigger reported for the genus.
Common Challenges
Because no published species-level breeding account was located, expect to adapt timing, temperature swing and conditioning by observation. Protecting eggs from being eaten and maintaining stable water quality are the consistent challenges across the genus.