Corydoras Agassizii

Datasheet

General Description

The Corydoras Agassizii, commonly known as the Spotted Cory, is a member of the Callichthyidae family within the Siluriformes order. These fish are part of the larger catfish group, with over 150 known species. They are characterized by their bony plates instead of scales, giving them the collective name of "armoured" or "mailed" catfishes. These omnivores have a varied color pattern, making specific identification challenging even with knowledge of their collection locality. Their etymology stems from the Ancient Greek words meaning "helmet" and "skin," alluding to the bony plates along their flanks.

Aquarium Setup

To house the Corydoras Agassizii, it is recommended to maintain them in groups of at least 4-6 individuals to promote their peaceful and gregarious nature. The ideal tank setup includes a fine sand substrate or clean rounded gravel, with additional decor choices being subjective, though providing cover for security is advised. Water conditions should be maintained with a hardness of 36-215ppm, a pH range of 6.0-8.0, and a temperature between 22-27°C.

Behaviour

These Spotted Corydoras are known for their peaceful and social behavior. Thriving in groups, they should not be isolated as they enjoy the company of their kind. They exhibit a fascinating facultative air-breathing adaptation, rising to the water's surface to gulp in air due to their modified intestinal structure that aids in absorbing atmospheric oxygen.

Feeding and Diet

Corydoras Agassizii are foraging omnivores, accepting various sinking dried foods, small live options like bloodworms, and frozen varieties such as Tubifex. To ensure optimal health, a diverse diet is essential. It is advised not to rely on leftover food from other tank inhabitants or expect them to clean the aquarium, as they require a well-rounded diet for proper nutrition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

When it comes to reproduction, females of the species tend to grow larger and have a rounder, broader body compared to males, especially when gravid. This sexual dimorphism aids in visually distinguishing mature individuals. Their breeding behavior is generally peaceful, and they require specific conditions and stimuli to initiate successful spawning.

Habitat and Distribution

The natural habitat of Corydoras Agassizii includes the Amazon River basin near the border of Brazil and Peru. While the type locality is near Tabatinga in Brazil, the species has been recorded more than 200 kilometers upstream in the Rio Nanay, extending at least to Iquitos in Peru. Their distribution beyond these areas remains unclear due to limited documented records.