Elegant Corycat

Basics

Scientific Name: Corydoras elegans

Family:Callichthyidae

Origin: Amazon, South America

Quick Facts

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Lifespan: 3-5 years
• Water Conditions:72-79 F, KH 2-12, pH 5.8-7.0
• Maximum Size: 2.5″
• Diet: Omnivore
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Overview

The Elegant Cory Cat has a silvery iridescent base with a partially broken up black stripe running along its sides. They have additional smaller broken up stripe markings along the body and on the dorsal fin.They are an armored catfish and have bony plates instead of scales, and a set of four barbels around their bottom facing mouths.

A peaceful, bottom dwelling species, cory cats are ideal for most freshwater community tanks. They will appreciate a planted aquarium with plenty of hiding places and cover. Fake plants and other decor items are also acceptable. A smooth sand substrate is best to bring out their natural sifting behavior; which is a delight to observe. It will also prevent wear on their delicate barbels. Cories are a shoaling fish and will feel most secure and be the happiest and healthiest in a school of six or more.

An omnivorous scavenger, cories require a well balanced, quality diet that should include live, frozen, freeze dried and pelleted food. Sinking wafers specifically designed for bottom feeders can be fed as a staple or as a supplement to liveworms (bloodworms, tubifex, ect). Occasionally, they can also be fed blanched vegetables. They are ravenous eaters who will also clean up any food scraps missed by their tankmates, however, they should not be relied on to clean your tank and leftovers shouldn’t be their primary diet.