Three-stripe Corydoras care guide
Three-stripe Corydoras (Corydoras trilineatus) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 22-26 °C, pH 6-7.5.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
The Three-stripe Corydoras (Corydoras trilineatus) is a small armoured catfish from the upper Amazon basin. It is frequently confused with the true Julii Cory (C. julii) — in C. trilineatus the head markings form connected reticulated lines rather than discrete spots.
Taxonomy
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Genus: Corydoras
- Scientific name: Corydoras trilineatus
- Common synonyms: False Julii Cory
Habitat
Native to small streams and floodplain habitats of the upper Amazon drainage in Peru, Brazil and Colombia, with sandy substrates, leaf litter and submerged wood.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- School size: ≥6 individuals
Diet
A bottom-feeding omnivore. Provide sinking pellets, granules and small live or frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp); the species also grazes on biofilm.
Compatibility
A peaceful schooling species that should be kept in groups of at least six. Compatible with small to medium peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras and dwarf cichlids. Avoid combinations with large or aggressive species.
Breeding
Egg-laying; spawning is induced by cool water changes and conditioning on live foods. Pairs deposit adhesive eggs on tank glass and broad-leaved plants.
Three-stripe Corydoras Breeding Guide
Overview
The three-stripe corydoras (Corydoras trilineatus), often sold as the false julii cory, is a small South American catfish reaching about 4-6 cm. Like other Corydoras it is an egg-layer that spawns in the T-position; it is a little more demanding to breed than the very hardiest species.
Sexing
Females are noticeably rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when full of eggs, and are often slightly larger. Males stay slimmer.
Conditioning
Condition the group on a varied diet of live, frozen and dried foods. A ratio of about two males per female is recommended for reliable fertilisation.
Breeding Setup
Use a tank of around 18 x 12 x 12 inches with a bare base, sand or fine gravel, and gentle sponge or box filtration to protect fry. Soft, slightly acidic water suits the species, with temperature around 24 C (about 75 F) and pH near 6.5; peat filtration or RO water is beneficial.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
When the females are visibly full of eggs, perform a large 50-70% water change with cooler water and increase oxygenation and flow, repeating daily until the fish spawn. A receptive female lets the male caress her with his barbels before the pair take up the T-position, in which the male grasps the female's barbels. She then deposits a single egg (occasionally up to four) at a time on the glass.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch in about 3-5 days. Once the yolk sacs are absorbed the fry accept microworm and brine shrimp nauplii. The fry seem less prone to disease when kept over a thin layer of sand, and clean water with regular changes supports their growth.
Common Challenges
As with other Corydoras, eggs are vulnerable to fungus and to being eaten by adults, so separating eggs or adults is usual. Stable, soft water and a reliable cool-change routine are the main keys to triggering a spawn.