Many-Spotted Corydoras Care Guide
Corydoras polystictus is a small peaceful catfish from the upper Paraguay River basin, covered in numerous tiny dark spots.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Corydoras polystictus is an armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae, described by Regan in 1912. It is a small Brazilian species recognised by countless tiny dark spots covering the body. Some taxonomic sources now place it in the genus Hoplisoma.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras polystictus
- Author: Regan, 1912
- Recognised combination: Hoplisoma polystictum (Regan, 1912)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Paraguay River basin. Seriously Fish locates it more precisely in the upper Rio Paraguay in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. It is a tropical freshwater, demersal fish; aquaria can use river sand in an Amazon-style setup with driftwood and dried leaves.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Size: 3-4 cm (FishBase max 3.5 cm SL)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. Seriously Fish recommends quality sinking pellets supplemented with live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes it as a peaceful community fish suited to small characins, cyprinids, anabantoids, dwarf cichlids and other peaceful catfish. It is best maintained in a group of at least six and kept away from aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, the species is bred similarly to other Corydoras using two males per female. Eggs hatch in three to five days, and fry accept microworm and brine shrimp nauplii as first foods. Females are rounder and broader-bodied than males, particularly when full of eggs.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018).
Breeding Corydoras polystictus
Overview
Corydoras polystictus is a small callichthyid catfish found in the upper Rio Paraguay in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. Seriously Fish gives a maximum standard length of about 5 cm (2 inches).
Sexing
Females are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when full of eggs.
Conditioning
Condition the group on a varied diet of live, frozen, and dried foods. A ratio of two males per female is recommended.
Breeding Setup
A breeding tank of about 18 x 12 x 12 inches with a bare bottom, sand, or fine gravel is suitable, along with air-powered sponge filtration and clumps of java moss. Reported spawning conditions are a temperature of around 75 F and a pH of around neutral.
Spawning Behaviour & Trigger
Perform a large 50-70% water change with cooler water and increase oxygenation and flow, repeating daily until the fish spawn. The fish usually lay their eggs on the tank glass, often in an area where water flow is quite high.
Egg & Fry Care
The eggs hatch in 3-5 days. Once the fry have used up their yolk sacs, they accept microworm and brine shrimp (Artemia) nauplii as first foods.
Common Challenges
As with related species, positioning egg-deposition surfaces near strong flow and maintaining excellent water quality for the fry are the main keys to success.