Page 124 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

122 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Corydoras schwartzi
Schwartz’s Corydoras

ORIGINS South America, where it is restricted to a
tributary of the Rio Purus in eastern Brazil.
1
SIZE 2 ⁄2 in (6 cm).
DIET Live foods and prepared catfish foods.
WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); soft to hard
(50–150 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social.
Schwartz’s Corydoras is distinguished by dark
marks that run through each eye and
meet in front of the dorsal fin on the
top of the head. There are about 150
different species of corydoras catfish,
distributed in the more southerly parts
of Central America and also through
northern South America. Corydoras
are small, attractive catfish. They
have proved very popular, being
ideal for a mixed community aquarium.
Conspicuous and active during the day, corydoras
tend to occupy the lower part of the tank. Low
rockwork, such as small pieces of slate, will serve
as vantage points for these catfish. Schwartz’s
Corydoras, like many species, has a limited
distribution in the wild but is quite adaptable
in the aquarium. Regular water changes are
important, however, to keep nitrate levels low.

Corydoras trilineatus Corydoras aeneus Corydoras panda
Three-Striped Corydoras Green Corydoras Panda Corydoras

ORIGINS South America, occurring in the Rio Ucayali, ORIGINS South America, widely distributed from ORIGINS South America, where it is confined to the
Rio Ampiyacu, and the Yarina Cocha River in Peru. Venezuela and Trinidad down to La Plata, Argentina. Ucayali River system in Peru.
SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 2 ⁄4 in (7 cm). SIZE 1 ⁄4 in (4 cm).
3
3
DIET Live foods and prepared catfish foods. DIET Live foods and prepared catfish foods. DIET Live foods, algae, and prepared catfish foods.
WATER Temperature 68–79°F (0–26°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 68–77°F (20–25°C); soft to hard
(50–150 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). (50–150 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.5–7.0). (50–150 mg/l) and acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social. TEMPERAMENT Peaceful and social.
A variable but vibrant body patterning, including These tiny corydoras are named for their
a large black mark on the dorsal fin, characterizes pattern of black markings on a pale background,
these corydoras. Females are generally slightly reminiscent of a panda’s coloration. They will
paler in color than males, with a smaller patch on scavenge any uneaten food on the floor of the tank
the dorsal fin. The “three stripes” in the common before it starts to decompose and reduce the
name of this species refer to the central stripe water quality. Nevertheless, all corydoras should
running along the side of the body and the lighter be given their own food. Partial water changes
lines above and below. Clear, slightly every three weeks will aid the water quality,
grayish fins
and an effective filter will help oxygenation.
This popular corydoras lacks dark markings on its
yellowish-brown body. Instead, there is a strong
iridescence on the face and along the upper part
of the back. This iridescence ranges from green
to copper, depending on the light. Several color
variants exist, including an albino. The larger,
often more rotund, female actively initiates
spawning. The eggs are laid in small batches
among aquatic vegetation, and hatching takes
about five days. The young initially need fry foods.

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