Profile Photo
Maximum size : 5 cm
Elegant Corydoras - Corydoras elegans : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Elegant Corydoras (Corydoras Elegans) is a striking and distinctive fish, adding an exquisite touch to any community aquarium. These sociable and peaceful creatures are ideal for beginners, as they are relatively easy to maintain, provided they receive clean, oxygen-rich water and a steady supply of food at the tank 's bottom. Given their gregarious nature, keeping these fish in groups of at least six individuals is best. Unlike most Corydoras, Elegant Corys tend to spend much of their time away from the substrate, forming gatherings in midwater without disturbing the sediment. These fish boast an olive background, marbled with striking greyish-brown markings, with a body that is not as tall as it is long, complemented by lowered-set eyes. A wedge-shaped, dark-edged band extends from the head 's rear to the caudal peduncle, passing through several blotches, while a pale stripe runs below the band, with a row of dark spots along its lower edge. The gill cover is pale blue, and the fins are grey, with a mottled and spotted pattern adorning the head area.Elegant Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Elegant Corydoras is a relatively straightforward process. Mature females typically exhibit a more significant and fuller physique when viewed from above, with their dorsal fin characterized by a transparent appearance. Conversely, adult males often display a more intricate and vivid colour pattern, along with the presence of three reticulated bands on the dorsal fin, setting them apart from their female counterparts.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras elegans |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1976 |
| Other Names | Elegant Catfish, CW044 |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Peru Ecuador Brazil |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom - Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 5 - 8 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 2 - 25 |
| KH | |
| TDS | 18 - 268 |
| ℉ | 72 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22.2 - 26.1 |
Natural Habitat
The enchanting Elegant Corydoras is a species widely dispersed throughout the western Amazon Basin, inhabiting streams and rivers such as the Itaya, Tamaya, Nanay, Carahuayte, Ucayal Ampiyacu, and Rios Yavari in Peru, the Napo and Rios Aguarico in Ecuador, as well as the Rio Solimoes in Brazil. Their natural habitat comprises forested waterways with soft, slightly acidic water, where a substrate of leaf litter, mud, sand, and fallen branches supports a thriving ecosystem. These captivating fish blend seamlessly into their environment, adding to the serene ambience of their aquatic home.
Itaya River - Peru
Nanay River - Peru
Rio Napo - Ecuador
