Corydoras robineae Breeding Guide

Breeding the Flagtail Cory (Corydoras robineae): sexing, conditioning, a cooler water-change trigger, T-position spawning and fry rearing.

Overview

Corydoras robineae, the Flagtail or Banner-tail Cory, comes from the upper Rio Negro in Brazil and grows to about 7 cm. Seriously Fish notes that the species has only been bred in aquaria fairly recently. It is an egg-depositing catfish that spawns in the genus's typical T-position.

Sexing

Seriously Fish reports that females are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when full of eggs; the difference is clearest viewed from above.

Conditioning

Condition the group on a varied diet of live, frozen and dried foods. Seriously Fish recommends a ratio of two males per female.

Breeding Setup

Seriously Fish suggests a tank around 18 by 12 by 12 inches with a bare bottom, sand or fine gravel, air-powered sponge or box filtration and clumps of Java moss for shelter. Target conditions are roughly 24 degrees C (75 F) and pH 7. Maintenance parameters are 21-26 degrees C, pH 6.5-7.5 and hardness 5-12 dH.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Trigger spawning with large 50-70% water changes using cooler water while increasing oxygenation and flow, repeated daily until the fish spawn. In the T-position the male grasps the female's barbels and releases sperm; the female forms a basket with her pelvic fins and deposits the eggs one at a time, with up to four released simultaneously, then attaches them to a chosen surface.

Egg & Fry Care

Seriously Fish gives a hatch time of 3-4 days. After the fry have absorbed their yolk sacs they accept microworms and brine shrimp nauplii as first foods.

Common Challenges

Because aquarium spawning is comparatively recent, robust protocols are still being refined. Fungused eggs and poor water quality are the usual causes of failure, so keep eggs and fry in clean, well-oxygenated water and treat clutches against fungus as for other Corydoras.