Robust Corydoras Care Guide
Corydoras robustus is a peaceful armored catfish endemic to the Rio Purus drainage in Brazil and one of the larger Corydoras species.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Corydoras robustus is an armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae, described by Nijssen and Isbrucker in 1980. According to Seriously Fish it is endemic to the Rio Purus drainage in Brazil. It is one of the larger members of its group, and several taxonomic sources now place it in the genus Brochis as Brochis robusta. FishBase lists a standard length of about 7 cm, while Seriously Fish reports a maximum of around 9.5 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras robustus
- Author: Nijssen & Isbrucker, 1980
- Recognised combination: Brochis robusta (Nijssen & Isbrucker, 1980)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the Purus River basin in the middle Amazon, and Seriously Fish describes it as endemic to the Rio Purus drainage in Brazil. It is a tropical, freshwater, demersal fish that lives close to the bottom and is a facultative air-breather, occasionally surfacing to gulp air.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Size: 8-10 cm (FishBase max 7.1 cm SL)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. Seriously Fish recommends a sinking pellet or tablet as the staple diet, supplemented with live and frozen foods such as Daphnia, Artemia and bloodworm. A clean, soft sand substrate protects the delicate barbels while the fish sifts for food.
Compatibility
Seriously Fish describes it as very peaceful and suitable for many community tanks. Suitable companions include small characins, cyprinids, anabantoids, smaller cichlids and other peaceful catfish, while large or aggressive species should be avoided. It should be kept in a group of at least six.
Breeding
According to Seriously Fish, breeding follows the typical Corydoras pattern, with two males per female suggested. Spawning is triggered by large water changes with cooler water; eggs hatch in three to five days, and fry accept microworm and brine shrimp nauplii as first foods.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 7 November 2018). FishBase notes the species enters both commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.
Corydoras robustus Breeding Guide
Overview
Corydoras robustus is one of the larger members of the genus, reaching about 9.5 cm, and is endemic to the Rio Purus drainage in Brazil. It is an egg-depositing catfish that spawns in the genus's typical T-position; its size means it needs more space than most corys both for maintenance and for a breeding group.
Sexing
Seriously Fish reports that females are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when full of eggs, and that males have more extended first dorsal-fin rays.
Conditioning
Condition the group on a varied diet of live, frozen and dried foods. Seriously Fish recommends a 2:1 male-to-female ratio.
Breeding Setup
Seriously Fish suggests a tank of at least 18 by 12 by 12 inches with a bare bottom, sand or fine gravel, sponge or box filtration and Java moss. Target around 24 degrees C (75 F) and pH 6.5; filtering through peat and using RO water are beneficial. Maintenance parameters are 22-26 degrees C, pH 6.0-7.0 and hardness 1-12 dH.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Trigger spawning with a large 50-70% water change using cooler water and increased oxygenation, repeated daily until the fish reproduce. In the T-position the male grasps the female's barbels; she forms a pelvic-fin basket and deposits a single egg at a time (although up to four may be released at once), attaching the eggs in repeated cycles.
Egg & Fry Care
Seriously Fish gives a hatch time of 3-5 days. Once the fry have absorbed their yolk sacs they accept microworm and brine shrimp nauplii, and develop better over a thin layer of sand than in a bare-bottomed setup.
Common Challenges
As the largest species in this group, robustus needs a roomy spawning tank and strong oxygenation to bring a heavy female into condition. Fungused eggs and declining water quality are the most common causes of losses.