Corydoras spp.
Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras are gentle, sociable bottom-feeders that do best in same-species groups over soft sand. They are one of the easiest community fish to keep well.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Corydoras spp.
- Family
- Callichthyidae
- Origin
- Rivers and streams of South America
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years, sometimes longer
- Adult size
- 2.5–7 cm depending on species
- Weight
- Not typically measured
- Temperament
- Peaceful, gregarious bottom-dweller
- Activity level
- Moderate; constant gentle foraging along the substrate
- Social needs
- High — keep in groups of six or more of the same species
- Intelligence
- Simple but shows clear shoaling coordination and learned feeding spots
- Noise
- Silent
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Minimum 80 litre tank with fine sand substrate to protect their barbels
- Space requirement
- Floor area matters more than height; avoid sharp gravel
- Temperature
- 22–26°C
- Humidity
- Not applicable
- Exercise
- Provided by tank floor space for foraging
- Grooming
- Not applicable; sensitive barbels need soft, sand-based substrate
Diet and feeding
Sinking pellets and wafers plus occasional live or frozen bloodworm
Behaviour and compatibility
Group foraging, occasional dashes to the surface to gulp air, resting in huddles
- With children
- Calm, easy fish for children to watch feed
- With other animals
- Peaceful with almost all community fish
- Training difficulty
- Not applicable
Health
- Barbel erosion from coarse substrate
- Ich
- Bacterial infections from poor water quality
- Bloat
No dedicated vet services; prevention through stable water parameters is key
Special care requirements
Never house on sharp gravel, which damages their sensitive barbels over time
Before you take one on
Related reading
Aquarium Water Chemistry and the Nitrogen Cycle
Most fish illness is a water quality problem. Understanding cycling is the core skill of fishkeeping.
James Whitcombe · 9 min read · Updated 2026-07-14
Buying guidesChoosing Your First Aquarium Setup
What to buy, what to skip, and why the biggest tank you can fit is usually the easiest to keep.
James Whitcombe · 8 min read · Updated 2026-08-09