Guapore Corydoras Care Guide
Corydoras guapore is an armoured catfish endemic to the rio Guapore of Bolivia and Brazil, noted for spending much time swimming in mid-water.
Overview
Corydoras guapore is an armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae, described by Knaack in 1961 and currently placed by FishBase in the genus Gastrodermus. It occurs in the Guapore River basin and reaches a maximum standard length of about 4.1 cm. Unusually among its relatives, it spends a large proportion of its time swimming in mid-water rather than on the substrate.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras guapore
- Author: Knaack, 1961
- Current placement: Gastrodermus guapore (FishBase)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Guapore River basin. Seriously Fish describes it as endemic to the rio Guapore (also called rio Itenez), a tributary of the upper Madeira basin in north-eastern Bolivia and western Brazil. The Guapore is characterised as an acidic, tannin-stained river with warm, clear water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 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, unlike most congeners, it is partly adapted to feed on pelagic zooplankton, so small live or frozen foods such as Daphnia and Artemia are recommended alongside sinking dried foods.
Compatibility
Corydoras guapore is peaceful and gregarious. Seriously Fish reports that it tends to form aggregations in mid-water, spending much of its time away from the substrate, and recommends keeping it in groups of at least 4-6 individuals in calm community aquaria.
Breeding
Seriously Fish notes that the species is only rarely bred in aquaria but follows methods similar to other members of the group, with eggs typically hatching in 3-4 days. Fry require excellent water quality and small live foods.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020). FishBase records it as a commercial aquarium species of no fisheries interest.