CW051 Cory (Corydoras sp. CW051) Care Guide
An undescribed Corydoras from the upper Rio Negro traded as CW051 (Black-saddled / New Panda Cory), a peaceful sand-sifting shoaler for soft, acidic tanks.
Overview
CW051 is an undescribed callichthyid catfish from the upper Rio Negro region. In current sources it is sold as the Black-saddled or New Panda Cory, marked by a dark saddle on the body, and is sometimes imported under the name Bicolor Cory. It is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling shoaling fish for soft, acidic aquariums. The Aquairi record lists this slug under the trade name Orange Laser; the consulted sources instead describe CW051 as a black-saddled form, so colour-pattern claims here follow those sources.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras (listed as Hoplisoma sp. CW051 on retailer/care sites)
- Scientific name: Corydoras sp. CW051
- Status: undescribed aquarist 'CW-number' line; the very similar Colombian CW049 has a diamond-shaped body blotch. Not a formally described species
Habitat
Sources place CW051 in the upper Rio Negro and Uaupes drainages near the Brazil/Colombia/Venezuela borders, with wild specimens from Colombia. It inhabits soft, acidic, shallow waters over fine sand and is often found in large aggregations, sometimes mixed with the similar CW049.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 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
- Substrate: fine sand to protect the barbels
Diet
An omnivore that forages over the bottom, sifting sand. It accepts sinking catfish pellets, granules and tablets, flake, and frozen foods such as bloodworm, along with other live foods.
Compatibility
Temperament is peaceful, and it suits community aquariums. It is a social species best kept in a group of six or more, with calm tank mates such as small tetras and rasboras, away from aggressive cichlids. Shady areas among driftwood, rocks and dense planting are recommended.
Breeding
It is an egg-depositor with intermediate breeding difficulty. Because CW051 closely resembles CW049 and other forms, keeping it separate from look-alikes is advised for controlled breeding.