Garbe's Corydoras Care Guide
Corydoras garbei is a small armoured catfish endemic to the Sao Francisco River basin in Brazil, kept in peaceful soft-water aquaria.
Overview
Corydoras garbei is a small armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae, originally described by Ihering in 1911. FishBase and Wikipedia currently place it in the genus Brochis as Brochis garbei. It is endemic to Brazil and reaches a maximum standard length of about 4.3 cm. The specific name honours the German-born Brazilian zoologist Ernesto Garbe, who collected the original specimens.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras garbei
- Author: Ihering, 1911
- Current placement: Brochis garbei (FishBase, Wikipedia)
Habitat
FishBase and Wikipedia report the species as endemic to the Sao Francisco River basin in Brazil. It is a freshwater, demersal fish inhabiting tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Substrate: soft sand
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
As with other members of the family it is an omnivorous, bottom-foraging species. FishBase places it at a trophic level of about 2.9, consistent with a varied diet of small invertebrates and organic matter sifted from the substrate.
Compatibility
Corydoras garbei is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish best kept in a group of six or more on soft sand. It is suited to calm community aquaria; large or aggressive tankmates should be avoided.
Breeding
FishBase describes the typical callichthyid spawning behaviour: the female holds a small number of eggs (2-4) between her pelvic fins while the male fertilises them, after which she attaches the sticky eggs to a chosen surface. The process is repeated until roughly 100 eggs have been laid.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020). FishBase notes its use in the aquarium trade and minor commercial fisheries.