Slender Corydoras Care Guide
Corydoras gracilis is a dwarf armoured catfish from the central Amazon basin of Brazil, suited to small soft-water aquaria.
Overview
Corydoras gracilis is a dwarf armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae, described by Nijssen and Isbrucker in 1976 and currently placed by FishBase in the genus Gastrodermus. It occurs in the middle and lower Amazon basin and is one of the smallest members of the group, reaching a maximum standard length of only about 2.3 to 4 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras gracilis
- Authors: Nijssen & Isbrucker, 1976
- Current placement: Gastrodermus gracilis (FishBase)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the middle and lower Amazon basin. Seriously Fish localises it to the central Amazon basin of north-western Brazil, with the type locality a tributary of the rio Aripuana in Amazonas. It is reported to favour minor tributaries with dense riparian vegetation, submerged leaves and branches, and acidic, tannin-stained water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 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
The species is an omnivorous forager. Seriously Fish notes that it accepts sinking dried foods plus live and frozen items such as bloodworm and Tubifex, and that it requires varied feeding rather than relying on aquarium waste. Foods should be small enough for this diminutive fish.
Compatibility
Corydoras gracilis is a peaceful, gregarious bottom-dwelling species. Seriously Fish recommends maintaining it in groups of at least 4-6 individuals and notes that, despite its small size, it is a bottom-dweller rather than a mid-water schooler. Its small adult size makes it suitable for nano and dwarf-community aquaria with similarly peaceful tankmates.
Breeding
Seriously Fish suggests using two or more males per female and triggering spawning with large water changes (50-70%) using cooler water and increased oxygenation. Eggs incubate for roughly 3-4 days, and fry require small live foods and excellent water quality.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018). FishBase rates the species as having high resilience.