Sixray Corydoras - Aspidoras pauciradiatus Fish Profile & Care Guide
Introduction
The Sixray Corydoras (Aspidoras pauciradiatus) is a small, peaceful freshwater catfish native to South America's soft, acidic waters. Its delicate, creamy white base colour adorned with darker speckles and spots, along with striking black chevron markings and a golden lateral line, create a distinctive and visually appealing appearance. This unique beauty often captivates aquarists seeking small, unique catfish for their aquariums. This highly social species thrives in groups and is commonly kept in community tanks with other small, peaceful fish. Known for its active schooling behaviour, Aspidoras pauciradiatus is relatively easy to care for, making it a popular choice among aquarists seeking unique, small catfish for their aquariums.
The Sixray Corydoras thrives when kept in groups of six or more, with larger groups of ten or more providing optimal well-being. They are best suited to aquariums with small characins, dwarf cichlids, or large shoals of small midwater dither fish, as these companions encourage the Corydoras' natural behaviours and increase their visibility. A communal environment fosters a sense of security, promoting greater activity and engagement within their surroundings, leading to healthier and more dynamic behaviour.
The Sixray Corydoras is an ideal bottom-dwelling species for peaceful, soft-water aquariums. To protect their delicate sensory barbels, a substrate of soft sand is essential, along with shaded hiding spots created using driftwood and other decor. Incorporating peat filtration and leaf litter will acidify the water and release beneficial tannins, creating a natural, tea-coloured appearance in the tank.
Although plants are not a prominent feature of their natural environment, they can enhance the visual appeal of the aquarium. It is vital to ensure the tank is fully cycled before introducing this species, as they are sensitive to elevated nitrate levels, which require consistent partial water changes. Furthermore, since these fish originate from fast-flowing streams, areas of moderate current and proper oxygenation are important to mimic their natural habitat and promote optimal health.
Availability
The Sixray Corydoras isn't avilable any of our marketplace shops, want to be the first to offer it?.
Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Sixray Corydoras can be challenging, but mature females are typically fuller and rounder in the belly region, while males tend to have a more slender, streamlined appearance.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Aspidoras pauciradiatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1970 |
| Other Names | False Corydoras, Dwarf Aspidoras |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Aspidoras |
| Origins | Brazil |
| Approx Max Size | 3 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| ℉ | 72 - 77 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
The Sixray Corydoras is native to the Upper Araguaia River Basin in Brazil, South America, where it is exclusively found in this specific region. Their natural habitat consists of slow-moving, shallow streams and tributaries with a sandy substrate, often covered in organic detritus and leaf litter. This organic detritus and leaf litter serve as a natural food source for the Corydoras, as they contain microorganisms and small invertebrates that the fish can feed on. These environments are typically shaded by overhanging vegetation, contributing to low light levels and a tea-coloured tint caused by tannins released from decaying plant matter. The water in these habitats is soft, slightly acidic, and well-oxygenated, with gentle currents. These conditions provide the ideal setting for their foraging behaviour and help maintain the species' overall health and well-being in both the wild and aquarium settings.
Breeding
The Sixray Corydoras has been successfully bred in home aquariums. Spawning is often triggered by a significant water change using slightly cooler water, followed by a gradual increase in temperature to the upper limit of the species' preferred range. During spawning, the fish assume a distinctive T-position, with the male fertilizing the eggs as they are held between the female's pelvic fins. These semi-adhesive eggs are deposited on plants, decor, or the aquarium walls, a process that is repeated several times.
To protect the eggs from predation, transferring the adult fish to a separate tank once spawning is complete is recommended. The eggs typically hatch within 30 hours, and after an additional 24 hours, the fry will absorb their yolk sacs and become free-swimming. At this stage, they can be fed finely powdered foods, microworms, or newly hatched brine shrimp. Within approximately eight weeks, the fry will develop its full adult colouration and patterning.
Diet & Feeding
The Sixray Corydoras has omnivorous feeding habits and thrives on a varied diet. In the aquarium, they should be offered a mix of high-quality sinking pellets, along with live or frozen foods such as mini bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp. Their natural behaviour involves foraging along the substrate, so providing food that reaches the bottom of the tank is essential. Supplementing their diet with plant-based foods or vegetables can also help ensure balanced nutrition. Regularly offering a diverse range of food will promote their health and vibrant appearance.
Other Corydoras
Published: 19 Aug 2024
Last Updated: 19 Aug 2024