Corydoras Elegans

Datasheet

General Description

The Elegant Cory (Corydoras Elegans) is a popular species in the aquarium hobby known for spending time away from the substrate and often forming midwater groups. Belonging to the Callichthyidae family, they are classified under Siluriformes. This species is part of the unofficial "C. elegans group," which includes several similar species like C. bilineatus and C. napoensis. With around 150 valid species, the genus Corydoras is recognized for its "armoured" appearance, featuring bony plates instead of scales on the body.

Aquarium Setup

For an optimal aquarium setup, Elegant Corys should be kept in groups of at least 4-6 individuals. It is recommended to have a substrate of fine sand or clean rounded gravel and provide adequate cover for the fish's security. Water conditions should be maintained at a temperature of 20-26°C, a pH range of 6.0-7.5, and a hardness of 18-268 ppm (see table for details).

Behaviour

The Elegant Cory is characterized as peaceful, gregarious, and conducive to community tank settings. It is advised to maintain them in groups to promote their natural social behaviors. These fish are facultative air breathers, occasionally rising to the surface to gulp air. Caution should be exercised when handling them due to the potentially painful sting from their pectoral-fin spines.

Feeding and Diet

As foraging omnivores, Elegant Corys readily accept sinking dried foods, live, and frozen varieties like bloodworms and Tubifex. To ensure optimal health, a varied diet is essential, as they should not solely rely on leftovers in the aquarium. Feeding them a diverse range of foods will support their overall condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Elegant Corys involves a ratio of 2 males per female and a process of daily water changes with cooler water to stimulate spawning. Eggs are usually laid on the aquarium glass or provided surfaces like fine-leaved vegetation. Males exhibit more intense coloration with darker markings than females. Incubation of the eggs typically lasts 3-4 days, after which the fry can be fed small live foods such as microworms and Artemia nauplii.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Elegant Corys inhabit forested streams with substrates of sand, mud, leaf litter, and fallen branches. They are primarily found in the western Amazon basin, including rivers in Peru, Ecuador, and Brazil. The species' type locality is recorded as the Amazon River at Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil.

Etymology

The genus name Corydoras is derived from the Ancient Greek words "korus," meaning "helmet," and "dora," referring to skin or hide, alluding to the bony plates on the fish's flanks. The specific epithet "elegans" originates from Latin, translating to "fine, elegant, or handsome."