Breeding Corydoras melini

Breeding Corydoras melini: sexing, cooler water-change trigger, egg deposition on glass, plants or mops, and fry rearing.

Overview

Corydoras melini is a callichthyid catfish native to northwestern Brazil and east-central Colombia, in Rio Negro tributaries (Rio Uaupes, Rio Tiquie) and the Orinoco watershed. Seriously Fish gives a maximum standard length of 40-50 mm. It resembles C. metae but is distinguished by a diagonal black band that splits into two above the caudal peduncle and continues into the caudal fin area.

Sexing

Females tend to grow larger, and sexually mature individuals are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when gravid.

Conditioning

Keep two males per female and condition the group well before attempting to spawn them.

Breeding Setup

Eggs are normally deposited on the aquarium glass, but it is recommended to provide alternatives such as fine-leaved vegetation or fine spawning mops. A thin sand layer suits the developing fry.

Spawning Behaviour & Trigger

Trigger spawning with a 50-70% water change using cooler water, with increased oxygenation and flow, repeated daily until spawning occurs.

Egg & Fry Care

Incubation is normally 3-4 days, and once the fry have absorbed their yolk sacs they accept small live foods such as microworm and Artemia nauplii. Maintain excellent water quality throughout rearing.

Common Challenges

As with related species, providing dedicated deposition sites (plants or mops) alongside the glass, and keeping water quality high for the fry, are the key requirements.