Corydoras napoensis (Napo Cory) Breeding Guide

Corydoras napoensis spawns in the classic T-position, the female depositing single eggs in a pelvic-fin pouch; this guide covers sexing, setup and fry care.

Overview

Corydoras napoensis is a peaceful schooling cory of the family Callichthyidae from the Rio Napo region. According to Seriously Fish it occurs in the Rio Napo and Rio Aguarico, the Rio Amazonas and Rio Atacuari, and the Rio Nanay, reaching a maximum standard length of about 5 cm. It is comfortable at 22 to 26°C, pH 6.0 to 7.4 and hardness 1 to 12°H, the same conditions used to bring it into breeding condition.

Sexing

According to Seriously Fish, females are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when full of eggs, and are often the slightly larger sex. Males additionally show a dark marking in the upper part of the dorsal fin, which makes them relatively easy to identify.

Conditioning

As with Corydoras generally, conditioning a group on a varied diet within the species' preferred parameters builds the females up with eggs. Keeping the fish in a group, with several males to each ripe female, increases the chance of a successful spawn.

Spawning Behaviour & Trigger

Corydoras napoensis spawns in the characteristic T-position, in which the male grasps the female's barbels between his pectoral fin and body. The female forms a basket with her pelvic fins to hold the single eggs that are deposited after fertilisation, then attaches them to a chosen surface. This egg-by-egg deposition is typical of the genus.

Egg & Fry Care

According to Seriously Fish, the eggs hatch in three to five days. The fry will initially accept microworm and brine shrimp nauplii as first foods. Keeping the water clean and well oxygenated during this stage helps the small fry survive.