What is a Cory Catfish?
The Cory catfish is also commonly called an armored catfish because of the plates that run along its body. They resemble armor, hence the nickname. This small fish is a popular choice for aquariums due to its small size and a few awesome characteristics.
Origin
The Corydoras family consists of over 100 nameless species, but all of them originate from the same place: South America.
Appearance
Because there are so many species of Cory catfish, it is impossible to give an exact description of their appearance. They often have vivid, tropical patterns of oranges and yellows. Some black and yellow Cory catfish are in existence as well as many others with interesting color patterns.
Captivity
Most of the Cory catfish that are plucked from their native home find a home in an aquarium. They are one of the most popular fish for both experienced aquarists as well as those just getting started in the hobby.
Bottom feeders. Corydoras are known for eating leftovers on the bottom of the tank. They have no objection to eating sunken food that other fish miss or other random things that they discover on the bottom of the tank. This helps fish owners ensure that they have a clean tank.
Peaceful. Cory catfish are also peaceful fish. They will not attack their tank mates, making them an exceptional option for larger aquariums that already have a thriving community of fish.
Schools. Fish owners that purchase multiple Cory catfish will enjoy watching them congregate in groups in open areas of the tank. They will survive if there is only one in a ten-gallon tank, but they will not be happy. It is highly encouraged that aquarium owners keep at least five of these fish in a tank that is at least 20 gallons at a time. When they are kept in schools of this size, owners will find that their fish are much happier.
Warm water. Fish that are captured from the wild may be a bit picky about the hardness and temperature of the water, but fish that are raised in captivity can tolerate various temperatures. They do still prefer soft water, however. It is important to discuss the temperature that fish in captivity are kept at before taking them home to guarantee that they are comfortable in their new home.
Breeding
Due to their temperament and beautiful appearance, many fish owners attempt to breed their Cory catfish. This can be difficult for beginners to do, however. They will only breed if there are certain temperature fluctuations and if the water is a very specific temperature. After breeding, they often lay their eggs in odd places, such as stuck to the side of the tank. Because of this, they are likely to get eaten by other fish. It requires an exceptional amount of practice for owners to successfully breed these fish.
Cory catfish are a popular fish for aquariums, and for beginners. They are easy to take care of and beautiful to watch as they swim throughout an aquarium.
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