Corydoras semiaquilus Care Guide
Corydoras semiaquilus, the Peru black cory, is a long-snouted armored catfish from the western Amazon basin in South America.
Overview
Corydoras semiaquilus is an armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae, described by Weitzman in 1964. According to FishBase it occurs in the western Amazon River basin in South America, and Wikipedia records it as endemic to the Amazon basin. It is a long-snouted species, and Wikipedia lists the common name Peru black cory.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras semiaquilus
- Author: Weitzman, 1964
- Subfamily: Corydoradinae
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the western Amazon River basin, and Wikipedia describes it as endemic to the Amazon basin in South America. It is a tropical, freshwater, demersal fish, living near the bottom of slow-moving waters, and FishBase notes it is a facultative air-breather.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Size: 5-7 cm (FishBase max 6.0 cm SL)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. Wikipedia reports that it feeds on worms, benthic crustaceans, insects and plant matter. In aquaria it should be offered sinking dried foods supplemented with small live and frozen items, foraging along a soft sand substrate that protects its barbels.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, diurnal bottom-dweller suited to community aquaria with calm species such as tetras, rasboras and otocinclus. It should be maintained in a group of at least six and kept away from aggressive cichlids.
Breeding
Wikipedia describes it as an egg-laying species that deposits its eggs in dense vegetation; the adults do not guard the eggs after spawning.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (FishBase assessment dated 15 October 2020).