Black-Band Corydoras Care Guide
Corydoras zygatus, the black band catfish, is a peaceful armored catfish from the western Amazon basin in South America.
Overview
Corydoras zygatus is an armored catfish of the family Callichthyidae, described by Eigenmann and Allen in 1942. According to FishBase it occurs in the western Amazon River basin in South America, where its common name is black band catfish. FishBase lists a standard length of about 5.6 cm and places the species in the genus Osteogaster as Osteogaster zygata. It closely resembles Corydoras rabauti.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras zygatus
- Author: Eigenmann & Allen, 1942
- Recognised combination: Osteogaster zygata (Eigenmann & Allen, 1942)
Habitat
FishBase records the species from the western Amazon River basin. It is a tropical, freshwater, demersal fish living near the bottom, and FishBase notes it is a facultative air-breather.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 22-25 °C (72-77 °F) per FishBase
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- School size: 6 or more individuals
- Size: 5-6 cm (FishBase max 5.6 cm SL)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore with a recorded trophic level of about 3.0 in FishBase. As with other Corydoras it forages along the substrate and in aquaria should be offered sinking dried foods supplemented with small live and frozen foods. A soft sand substrate protects its barbels while it sifts for food.
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.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (FishBase assessment dated 15 October 2020). FishBase notes the species enters both commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.