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.
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.