Corydoras Zygatus

Datasheet

General Description

Corydoras zygatus, commonly known as the Black Band Cory, is a member of the family Callichthyidae. These fish are often referred to as "armoured" or "mailed" catfish due to the presence of bony plates on their bodies instead of scales. They have a broad dark stripe in the dorsal portion of their bodies, which does not extend into the ventral portion of the caudal peduncle, distinguishing them from similar-looking species like Corydoras rabauti.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, Corydoras zygatus should be housed in a group of at least 4-6 individuals. An aquarium setup for these peaceful and gregarious fish should include a fine sand substrate or clean rounded gravel. Providing some cover in the form of decorations is recommended to offer the fish a sense of security. Water conditions should be maintained with a hardness of 36-215ppm, a pH range of 5.5-7.5, and a temperature between 20-26°C (see table for details).

Behaviour

The Black Band Cory is known to be peaceful and gregarious and thus should be kept in groups for their well-being. They may occasionally exhibit air-breathing behavior by rising to the surface to take in gulps of air. It's important to note that the stiffened pectoral-fin spines of these fish can cause a painful sting, so handling should be done with care.

Feeding and Diet

Corydoras zygatus are foraging omnivores that accept a variety of sinking dried foods, small live, and frozen varieties. Feeding them a diverse diet ensures their optimum health. These fish should not be expected to survive on leftovers from other aquarium inhabitants, as they require a well-rounded diet.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Corydoras zygatus follows a similar process to other Corydoras species. A ratio of two or more males per female is recommended for breeding. Females tend to grow larger than males, and sexually mature individuals are noticeably broader and deeper-bodied. Eggs are typically deposited on surfaces like aquarium glass or among fine-leaved vegetation. After incubation, the fry can be fed small live foods like microworms and Artemia nauplii.

Habitat and Distribution

These fish are found in the Ucayali, Huallaga, Santiago, and Pastaza river systems in eastern Ecuador and northern Peru. They typically inhabit smaller tributaries within the middle Río Marañón watershed, which is a major affluent of the upper Amazon river basin. The type locality for Corydoras zygatus is the Huallaga River system in Yurimaguas, Loreto, Peru.