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Maximum size : 7 cm
Schwartzs Corydoras - Corydoras schwartzi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
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Introduction
The Schwartz's Corydoras are a little larger than most Corydoras; they are absolutely stunning with excellent patterning, have great personalities, and are very peaceful, making them suitable for many community aquariums. It would be better if you maintained Schwartz's Corys 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 these Corys could include small to medium Characins and Cyprinids as well as Gouramis, Dwarf Cichlids and other peaceful Catfish. However, it would be best if you didn't house them with anything aggressive or huge. If you intend to breed these Corys, keep them in a species-only aquarium to avoid any of their eggs being consumed by other greedy fish. Schwartz's Corydoras will thrive in an aquarium that mimics their natural environment. To achieve this, you could use a sandy substrate and add some driftwood; standard beech is also ok to use as long as you thoroughly dry it and strip it of its bark. Having dim lighting will also benefit your fish. Adding some dried leaves to stain the water would complete the natural feel; however, make sure you 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. Schwartz's Corydoras are 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. Schwartz's Corydoras have silvery bodies with two prominent dark lines on either side of the point of the two rows of lateral body plates. These Corys also have several other broken lines throughout their body and fins. In addition, their caudal and dorsal fin has transverse dark spots, and their first dorsal fin ray is large and white.Schwartzs Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
It can be quite challenging to differentiate between a male and female Schwartz's Corydoras. However, females are usually a little longer than males when fully mature and have wider bodies, especially when they are carrying eggs.Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras schwartzi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1963 |
| Other Names | Schwartz's catfish |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Layer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 2 - 25 |
| KH | |
| TDS |
| ℉ | 72 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22.2 - 26.1 |
Natural habitat
Schwartz's Corydoras originates in the inland waters of the Purus River basin in Brazil, South America. These Corys inhabit Small tributaries, areas of flooded forest, creeks, and sandbanks. You will find little aquatic vegetation in their natural habitat.How to breed the Schwartzs Corydoras
Schwartz's Corydoras can be somewhat challenging to breed; however, they produce similarly to other Corydoras species. It would be best to set up a separate breeding tank with either a bare bottom or a substrate of sand or fine gravel. You should also add an air-powered sponge filter and some clumps of java moss. The ideal temperature for breeding would be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH should be approximately 6.5. Using RO water and filtering the water through peat is also helpful. It would also help if you had a higher ratio of males to females when breeding Corys, and two males for every female is ideal. It would be better to condition the group on a mixed diet of dried, live and frozen foods, as this will help to encourage spawning. Once you can see the females are full of eggs, you should then perform a significant water change with cooler water and increase the flow and oxygenation in the tank, then repeat this daily until the fish spawn. When the fish are ready to spawn, you may notice increased activity; this will be the males pursuing the females. When the females are prepared, they will allow the male to touch her with their barbels, where they will then take up the classic T-position. The female will then form a basket with her pelvic fins where she will place 1 to 4 eggs. Once the eggs are fertilised, she will swim away and find a suitable place to deposit the eggs, usually on the tank's glass near water with a fast current. This cycle is then repeated until she has no more eggs. Once spawning is complete, you should remove either the adults or the eggs; otherwise, they will be consumed. If you decide to move the eggs, you will find they are pretty strong and can be easily rolled up the glass with a finger. The new tank should be oxygenated and have the same water parameters as the breeding tank. Adding a few drops of methylene blue to the water would be better to prevent the eggs from getting fungus; however, some eggs may still have fungus, so you must remove them immediately to prevent it from spreading. The eggs will usually hatch between 3 and 5 days later, and the fry will initially feed on their yolk sacs. Once they have finished their yolk sacs, you must provide them with microworms and baby brine shrimp. The babies appear to be less susceptible to disease if you keep them in a tank with a thin layer of sand rather than a bare bottom.Diet & feeding
The Schwartz's 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. Additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide other 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, consuming some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods consider this 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.Other Corydoras you maybe interested in
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