Rusty Corydoras (Corydoras rabauti)
The Rusty Corydoras is a small, attractive, peaceful Catfish ideal for the typical well-established, soft water community aquarium. These Corys are not too difficult to keep and are suitable for the beginner aquarist; however, these Corys require clean water high in oxygen and a sufficient supply of food on the bottom of the tank.
These Corys are very sociable and should be kept in a group of 6 or more individuals. Keeping these fish in more significant numbers will deliver an attractive display and make your fish feel more comfortable, bringing them out regularly.
Ideal tankmates for Rusty Corys could include small, peaceable tankmates such as small to medium-sized Cyprinids, Characins, Dwarf Gouramis and Dwarf Cichlids. However, it would be best to avoid housing these fish with much larger, more aggressive species as they will feel intimidated and may refuse to eat.
It would be best if you used a soft sandy substrate in the aquarium and provided your Catfish with some cover using driftwood or bogwood alongside some areas of dense planting, as this will give your fish security. You must regularly maintain your aquarium; this includes cleaning the substrate and frequent partial water changes as this will keep your fish in the best condition.
The Rusty Corydoras has a rusty orange body colouration that continues into the fin rays and a large black diagonal stripe on the top of its body that starts from the top of its head, extending down to the lower part of the caudal peduncle.
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| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras rabauti |
| Year Described | 1941 |
| Other Names | Rusty Cory, Rabaut's Cory, Rabaut's Catfish |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
| Water Parameters | |
|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 2 - 15 |
| TDS | 18 - 215 |
| Temperature | |
|---|---|
| 73 - 79℉ 22.8 - 26.1℃ | |
Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Rusty 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 fairly challenging to differentiate between a male and female Rusty Corydoras. However, females are typically larger and wider-bodied when viewed from above, especially when gravid. In contrast, males are slightly smaller and slimmer than females.