Corydoras Nijsseni

Datasheet

General Description

Corydoras Nijsseni, commonly known as Nijssen's Cory, belongs to the Callichthyidae family, within the Corydoradinae subfamily. With over 180 described species, corys are among the most popular fish in the aquarium hobby due to their diverse looks. These armored catfish lack scales and instead have rows of bony plates along their flanks, with sharp pectoral fin spines that can be caught easily, requiring cautious handling.

Aquarium Setup

Nijssen's Cory thrives in acidic water and showcases its best colors in environments mimicking Amazon biotopes. A tank setup typically includes river sand substrate, driftwood branches or common beech, twisted roots, and occasional dried leaves like beech or oak for a natural appearance. To achieve blackwater conditions, a small net bag filled with aquarium-safe peat in the filter is recommended. Maintenance is crucial, avoiding undergravel filtration and ensuring a clean substrate to prevent barbel infections.

Behaviour

Extremely peaceful, Nijssen's Cory is suitable for community tanks, preferring companions like small characins, cyprinids, anabantoids, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful catfish. They thrive in groups of at least six for confidence and activity, rarely showing aggression towards other species or conspecifics. These bottom-dwelling fish occasionally surface for gulps of air, showcasing their facultative air-breathing adaptation.

Feeding and Diet

Being omnivorous, Nijssen's Cory readily accepts sinking pellets or tablets as a staple diet, supplemented with live and frozen foods like Daphnia, Artemia, and bloodworms. Maintaining a varied diet is crucial for their health, as they can develop barbel infections if kept in unclean conditions or fed inadequately.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Nijssen's Cory involves setting up a breeding tank with proper substrate, vegetation, and a higher ratio of males to females. Spawning behavior includes males courting females, followed by the "T-position" for egg fertilization. Females are rounder and broader-bodied than males, especially when full of eggs. The adults may eat eggs, necessitating options to either raise the fry in the same tank or move them to a separate container for protection.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to the Rio Negro basin in Brazil, Nijssen's Cory inhabits blackwater rivers, creeks, and tributaries with highly acidic, tannin-stained waters. Their natural habitat reflects the need for soft, acidic water conditions in aquariums.

Note: For specific water parameter requirements, see table.