Corydoras catfish (Corydoras genus) are small, sociable, armoured bottom-dwelling South American catfish — the perfect community fish for cleaning up uneaten food and providing entertaining bottom-dwelling activity.
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Corydoras catfish (Corydoras genus) are small, sociable, armoured bottom-dwelling South American catfish — the perfect community fish for cleaning up uneaten food and providing entertaining bottom-dwelling activity. Always kept in groups, "Cory cats" are among the most charming small fish in the hobby.
Over 150 species in the Corydoras genus, native to South America's slow rivers and streams.
Common pet species:
Adults 4–7 cm length. Stocky body with bony armoured plates.
Highly social. Keep in groups of 6+ — same species. Larger groups (10+) show natural behaviour better.
Peaceful with other species. Excellent with community fish — tetras, livebearers, peaceful catfish, peaceful South American cichlids.
Minimum: 75 L (20 gallon) for a group of 6 small Corydoras.
Sand substrate preferred — Corydoras barbels are damaged by sharp gravel. Driftwood, hides, gentle flow.
Sinking pellets, sinking wafers, frozen bloodworms, blanched vegetables. Corydoras need food that reaches the bottom; floating-only feeding starves them.
5–10 years.
Common concerns:
Pros: peaceful, social, entertaining bottom activity, long-lived. Cons: group requirement, fine sand or smooth gravel essential.
How many do I need? 6+ minimum, same species. 10+ shows natural schooling behaviour.
Can different Cory species school together? Sometimes, but each species feels safest with its own kind. Best to keep groups of 6 per species.
Will they clean my tank? Partially. They eat uneaten food but are not vacuum cleaners. Tank cleaning is still required.
How long do they live? 5–10 years.
The Corydoras Catfish — The Peaceful Schooling Bottom-Dweller
10–11 minutes
School of corydoras catfish on sandy substrate. Caption: "SCHOOL OF 6+".
Underwater photograph of a school of bronze corydoras catfish foraging on sandy substrate, distinctive whiskers, peaceful posture, soft planted background, gentle natural lighting, 85mm lens at f/2.5, professional aquatic photography.
Corydoras catfish are peaceful schooling bottom-dwellers — among the most popular community tank fish. Today: complete corydoras care.
⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Intro Hook 01:00 The Corydoras Genus 02:30 Setup: Sandy Substrate 04:00 Diet: Sinking Foods 05:30 Social: Always School of 6+ 07:00 Health: Barbel Erosion, Ich 08:30 3 Biggest Mistakes New Owners Make 10:00 Are Corydoras Right For You? 11:00 Outro
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"Corydoras catfish are tiny, peaceful, schooling bottom-dwellers — among the most popular community tank fish in the world. They live 10–15 years, work in schools, and add charm to any peaceful aquarium. Today: complete corydoras care."
"Corydoras is a genus of small South American catfish — over 150 species. Most popular in the trade: Bronze corydoras (C. aeneus) — classic, hardy. Peppered corydoras (C. paleatus) — slightly cooler tolerant. Panda corydoras (C. panda) — black-and-white. Sterbai corydoras (C. sterbai) — warm-water tolerant, good with discus."
"Tank minimum: 60 litres for a small school. Sand substrate essential. Sharp gravel damages delicate barbels. Heater: 22–26°C (species-dependent). Filtration: gentle. Plants and hides essential."
"Corydoras are bottom-feeders. Sinking pellets, wafers, bloodworms. Plus what falls from tank mates. Do not assume they eat 'leftovers' — feed dedicated corydoras food."
"Corydoras are obligate schoolers. Same-species groups of 6 minimum. Multiple species do NOT count as a school — each needs its own group. Tank mates: peaceful tropicals — tetras, rasboras, peaceful gouramis."
"Lifespan 10–15 years. Barbel erosion from sharp substrate or poor water quality. Ich. Find an aquatic vet."
"Mistake one: sharp gravel. Damages barbels. How to avoid: smooth sand. Mistake two: small school. Causes stress. How to avoid: 6+ of same species. Mistake three: assuming they eat scraps. Malnutrition. How to avoid: dedicated sinking food."
"Checklist: 60+ litre tank with sand. School of 6+ same species. Dedicated sinking food. Peaceful community. 10-15 year commitment. Tick four — corydoras are excellent."
"That is the corydoras catfish — peaceful schooling bottom-dweller. Classic community fish. Next species? Comment below. Subscribe and the bell. Next week: the bristlenose pleco — the algae-eating workhorse." (End screen: subscribe button, 'watch next: Bristlenose Pleco' thumbnail, channel logo)