Armatus Corydoras (Corydoras armatus)

The Armatus Corydoras is a small bottom-dwelling fish that is excellent at scavenging leftover food, thus ensuring a cleaner and healthier aquarium. These Corys are attractive and peaceful species suitable for most community aquariums.

It would be best if you kept Armatus Corydoras in groups of at least six individuals as they will be much more active and confident with their kind as they are shoaling species in nature.

Ideal tankmates for the Armatus Corydoras could include small to medium Tetras, Danios, Rasboras and Livebearers, Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids, Loaches and other peaceful Catfish. However, it would be best if you did not house them with anything aggressive or huge. If you intend to breed these Corys, you should keep them in a species only aquarium to avoid other greedy fish consuming any of their eggs.

The Armatus Corydoras will thrive in an aquarium that mimics its natural environment. To achieve this, you could use a sandy substrate and add some driftwood; standard beech is also ok to use if you thoroughly dry it and strip it of its bark. Having dim lighting will also benefit your fish.

Adding dried leaves to stain the water would complete the natural feel; however, you must replace them every few weeks so they do not rot and pollute the water. Adding some aquarium-safe peat to the filter can aid in simulating black water conditions. Although you will not find aquatic plants in this Cory's natural waters, they also enjoy a well-planted aquarium.

The Armatus Corydoras is sensitive to deteriorating water conditions; therefore, a good maintenance schedule is essential. Like all Corys, this species may lose their barbels if you keep them in poor water, so make sure you keep the substrate clean and perform regular significant water changes.

The Armatus Corydoras has a dark silvery-grey body contrasted with irregular dark spots on its flanks; these spots are more prominent as a juvenile and fade as the fish matures. In addition, these Corys have a tall pointed dorsal fin, with the first two fin rays being dark grey. All the other fins on this fish are translucent with some faint darker spotting and banding.

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Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Armatus Corydoras will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.

Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.

It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.

This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.

Sexual Dimorphism

It can be challenging to differentiate between the male and female Armatus Corydoras. However, females usually grow a little larger than males, and sexually mature females are much more rounder and broader-bodied, especially when they are full of eggs. In contrast, the males are slimmer and shorter than females.