Page 127 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

CATFISH/CORYDORAS 125

Corydoras adolfoi
Adolfo’s Corydoras

ORIGINS South America, occurring in Brazil, where it is
found in the Rio Negro and the Rio Uapes.
SIZE 2 ⁄2 in (6 cm).
1
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.
Adolfo’s Corydoras can be distinguished from the
similarly patterned Imitator Corydoras (C. imitator)
by its shorter snout and the red coloration in front
of its dorsal fin. As with other corydoras, a well-
planted breeding tank with a relatively low
water level is recommended for spawning
purposes. It should house a single female
and two males. The eggs, about 30 of
which are laid in groups on plant leaves
or even on the sides of the aquarium,
hatch after four days. The young
will congregate on the substrate
until they have digested the remains
of their yolk sacs and become free-
swimming. At this stage, they will
need to be reared on fry foods, before
taking flake when a week old. If the adults
are well fed, they are likely to breed again
a couple of weeks later.

Corydoras arcuatus Corydoras metae Scleromystax barbatus
Skunk Corydoras Masked Corydoras Bearded Corydoras

ORIGINS South America, where it is found in parts of ORIGINS South America, occurring in Colombia’s Rio ORIGINS South America, occurring in the vicinity of both
Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Meta and its tributaries. Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, Brazil.
SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). SIZE 2 in (5 cm). SIZE 5 in (12.5 cm).
DIET Live foods and prepared catfish foods. DIET Prefers fresh and thawed live foods. DIET Live foods and prepared catfish foods.
WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); soft to hard WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°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 6.0–7.0). (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.
This pink-bodied species has a black stripe that Prominent This species, one of the largest known corydoras,
curves along its upper body from the mouth to triangular exists as two distinct variants. Bearded Corydoras
the base of the tail. Some individuals display slight dorsal fin from around Sao Paulo are lighter in color and have
black markings on the sides of the body as well. less yellow on their bodies than those from the
It is often confused with the Black-Top Corydoras, vicinity of Rio de Janeiro. These fish stay close to
which has a very similar scientific name: Corydoras the bottoms of streams and rivers, hiding in aquatic
acutus. Corydoras can be kept at a slightly lower vegetation when danger threatens. Include rocks
temperature than most tropical fish. and plants in their tank to provide hiding places.

Arching black stripe
below the dorsal fin
The black “mask” over the eyes of this corydoras
explains its common name, although this feature
is also seen in some other species. The body is
plain, aside from a black area on the dorsal fin that
extends down to the caudal peduncle. These catfish
seek their food on the tank floor, so offer pellets
that sink rapidly. Live foods such as small worms
are a useful conditioning food for corydoras.

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