Fairy Corydoras - Corydoras atropersonatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
A Fairy Corydoras fish is an excellent bottom-dweller for scavenging leftover food, so your aquarium will remain cleaner and healthier. In addition, most community aquariums would benefit from these attractive and peaceful Corys. As they are shoaling species in nature, Fairy Corys will be much more active and confident if kept in groups of at least six. In addition to small to medium Tetras, Danios, Rasboras and Livebearers, Fairy Corys will also do well with Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids, Loaches and other peaceful Catfish. However, it would be best if you did not house them with anything aggressive or large. If you intend to breed these Corys, you should keep them in a species-only aquarium to prevent other greedy fish from eating their eggs. However, you should not house them with anything aggressive or large. To avoid other greedy fish consuming their eggs, you should keep these Corys in a species-only aquarium if you intend to breed them. The Fairy 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 Fairy 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. A Fairy Corydoras is a slender, delicate fish that is cream in colour. Brownish-grey spotting covers their flanks, and a dark brownish-black band covers their eyes over their heads. Their fins are a translucent colour.Fairy Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
It is usually quite easy to distinguish the differences between male and female Fairy Corydoras when they have been properly conditioned. Females will look much wider when viewed from the top, as they have a larger underbelly. In addition, males are shorter than females in length.Quick Facts
Scientific Name | Corydoras atropersonatus |
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Year Described | 1970 |
Other Names | Fairy Catfish |
Classification | Actinopterygii |
Order | Siluriformes |
Family | Callichthyidae |
Genus | Corydoras |
Origins | Peru |
Max Size | 5 cm |
Temperament | Peaceful |
Aquarium Level | Bottom |
Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
Shoaling | Yes |
Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
Lifespan | 8 - 12 years |
Water Parameters
Water Type | Freshwater |
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pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
GH | 5 - 25 |
KH | |
TDS | 18 - 179 |
℉ | 70 - 75 |
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℃ | 21.1 - 23.9 |