Corydoras Melanistius

Datasheet

General Description

Corydoras Melanistius, commonly known as Spotted Cory, is among the most speciose South American fish genera with over 180 described species. They are peaceful bottom-dwellers, primarily benthic, and belong to the Callichthyidae family. These fish are often found in large schools in their natural habitat and possess two rows of bony plates instead of scales, contributing to their armored appearance.

Aquarium Setup

For Corydoras Melanistius, a tank setup mimicking an Amazonian biotope is ideal. This includes river sand substrate, driftwood branches, twisted roots, and dried leaves to stain the water a tea-like color. Avoid overstocking and maintain dim lighting. Alternatively, a well-planted tank works too, but upkeep is crucial as these fish are sensitive to deteriorating water conditions. Avoid undergravel filtration and keep the substrate clean to prevent barbel issues.

Behaviour

Spotted Cory is very peaceful and suitable for community tanks. They should not be housed with large or aggressive species. Corydoras thrive in groups of at least six and prefer tank mates like small characins, cyprinids, anabantoids, dwarf cichlids, and peaceful catfish. They are facultative air breathers, occasionally darting to the surface for gulps of air, especially in oxygen-deprived conditions.

Feeding and Diet

As omnivores, Spotted Cory readily accepts sinking pellets or tablets as a staple diet. Supplement their diet with live and frozen foods like Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms to ensure proper nutrition. Always use sinking varieties to prevent competition for food with other tank occupants.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Spotted Cory involves setting up a breeding tank with a bare bottom or substrate, air-powered filtration, and clumps of vegetation for egg laying. A higher ratio of males to females is recommended, and conditioning the group with varied foods is essential. Females are rounder and broader when full of eggs.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, Corydoras Melanistius inhabits coastal rivers and tributaries in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. They thrive in soft to moderately hard waters with a pH range of 6.0-7.0 and a temperature between 22-26°C, replicating their natural habitat for optimal health.