Albino Cory – (Corydoras aeneus)

Albino Cories are great fish for the beginning fish keeper. They are very suited for a small aquarium (50 litres min) and will delight you with their constant activity. They are hardy little fish that are quite adaptable to varying water conditions. They are active during the day, hustling around scavenging bits of food from the bottom of the aquarium, which helps to keep it clean.  They enjoy being in numbers, so a small school of six or more is ideal for these cats.  Adult size: 6cm.

Albino Cory, short for Corydoras, (Corydoras aeneus) come from the tributaries of the Amazon river and are members of the armoured catfish family. The genus name means “helmet skin” and the fish live up to this name as they are rather tough little fish. They also have spines in the leading rays of the pectoral fins to deter larger predators from eating them. Corydoras are sometimes observed taking a gulp of air at the water surface: this is because they can absorb oxygen through their gut. It is not known why cories do this even on oxygen rich waters.  Native to parts of southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina.

The Albino Cory is a captive bred variety of the Peppered Cory

Behaviour

They are very suited for a small aquarium and will delight you with their constant activity.  These small catfish will breed rather easily too, and it is very interesting. The female will drop a few eggs and catch them with her ventral fins, carrying them about to deposit them here and there about the plants and decor in the aquarium.

They can make sounds with their pectoral fins and use a clicking sound during courtship and for communication.

Tank Conditions

Corydoras species prefer sandy substrate as they enjoy rooting about in it looking for morsels of food. They can be prone to infection of the barbels if kept in poorly maintained gravel. Like all catfish, they have barbels (whiskers), one on each side of the mouth that aids them in looking for food. Corydoras will appreciate some cover in the form of rocks or bogwood.

Albino Cory Catfish require a well planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places that provide relief from the light.

Corydoras require a minimum tank size of 50 litres, but the ideal tank size is going to be between 75 and 80 litres.

Compatibility

They make an excellent addition to any peaceful community aquarium. Good tank mates include Danios, Dwarf Cichlids, Livebearers and Tetras. Because they are schooling fish, they enjoy the company of their own kind as well, and do best kept in groups of at least 3, though 6 or more are better.

Feeding

Feed a varied diet consisting of a good quality dried sinking food supplemented with regular meals of small live and frozen foods.

Care

Like all catfish, they have a very low tolerance for salt in the water.

Be careful when netting them because when they feel threatened they extend their sharp spined fins outward and lock them in a rigid position. Although the spines are small, just like this catfish, they are quite sharp and can pierce your skin.

There are no specific parasites or diseases that Corys carry. The most common disease or cause of death in Cory catfish is nitrite poisoning. If you notice Corydoras swimming higher in the tank or moving sluggishly, they may be suffering from nitrite poisoning.  This can be remedied with quick 25% to 50% water change.

See Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets for help with diagnosing and treating diseases.