Shy Cory (Corydoras gracilis)
| Shy Cory Corydoras gracilis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Shy Cory |
| Name Lat. | Corydoras gracilis |
| Family | Armoured Catfishes |
| Family lat. | Callichthyidae |
| Order | Catfishes |
| Order lat. | Siluriformes |
| Origin | Brazil |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Substrate spawner |
| Breeding | None reported |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 4 cm |
| Temperature | 22-25 °C |
| Hardness | 5-10 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 80 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.6" |
| Temperature | 72-77 °F |
| Hardness | 89-178 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 20 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the point line dwarf armored catfish is the river system of the Rio Tapajos (Brazil). They live in shallow, slow-moving and stagnant waters such as small rivers, streams and floodplains, with dense vegetation and sandy, silty bottoms, covered with dead wood, roots and leaves.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have dense planting, with shady hiding places (roots) and dim light (floating plants). In order not to injure their barbels (serve for orientation and foraging), a soft, sandy substrate is ideal, which should be covered with some mulm and foliage (e.g. sea almond leaves).
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality sinking dry food for catfish (granules, pellets, chips, tablets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mysis, tubifex or mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, occasionally some vegetable food, such as algae leaves or dry food with vegetable components (e.g. spirulina, kelp).
Only feed as much as is eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are peaceful and sociable fish that live in groups and can be kept well in a community tank with other peaceful fish. At least 5, but preferably more dotline dwarf armored catfish should be kept together
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar requirements for water conditions and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. The females are slightly larger and more plump when seen from above.
Reproduction and breeding
During mating (T-position), the eggs enter a pocket formed by the ventral fins of the female and, after fertilization, are glued to substrates (e.g. leaves, stems). This process is repeated a few times. The larvae hatch after about 2-3 days and swim freely after 2-5 days.
There are no known reports of successful breeding in the aquarium.
Important
They have additional intestinal respiration to survive in oxygen-poor waters and sometimes come up to the water surface for air even in the oxygen-rich aquarium.
The foliage (sea almond tree, oak, etc.) enriches the water with humic substances, naturally lowers the pH and is a valuable secondary food source.
When fishing, use the finest mesh nets possible to avoid snagging the hard rays of the pectoral fins, which can cause painful puncture wounds when touched.
Temperatures above 25 °C are not tolerated in the long term.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF