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Corydoras elegans
The Corydoras elegans, or Elegant Corydora, is a peaceful and social fish, making it a wonderful addition to a community aquarium. They are native to the middle Amazon in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia.
Water and Tank Setup
Temperature: 22 ∘ C to 26 ∘C
pH Level:Slightly acidic to neutral, 6.0 to 7.5
Hardness (GH): Very soft to moderately hard, 2 to 12 dGH
Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is highly recommended to protect their sensitive barbels (whiskers) as they forage for food.
Decorations: Provide a well-planted tank with plenty of hiding spots. Use driftwood, smooth rocks, and live plants (like Java Moss or Amazon Sword) to create a natural, shaded environment.
Filtration: A gentle filtration system is best, but ensure it maintains clean water. Regular weekly water changes of about 20% are important.
Diet and Feeding
Corydoras elegans are omnivores and need a varied diet.
Staple: High-quality sinking pellets or wafers formulated for bottom feeders.
Variety: They thrive on live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia, which provide essential protein.
Supplement:You can occasionally offer blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach.
Note:They are not primarily algae eaters. Ensure they are getting enough food, as they can be outcompeted by more aggressive eaters in a community tank.
Tankmates and Behaviour
They are highly social and must be kept in a group (school) of at least 6 of their own species to feel secure and exhibit natural behavior.
They are excellent community fish and are compatible with other peaceful species that share similar water parameters, such as:
Small tetras (Neon, Ember)
Small rasboras (Harlequin, Chili)
Dwarf gouramis (Sparkling, Honey)
Other peaceful, non-aggressive fish.
Avoid keeping them with large or aggressive fish that may prey on or intimidate them.
Breeding
Breeding can often happen naturally in a well-maintained group.
Conditioning: Feed them a high-protein diet, especially live or frozen meaty foods like bloodworms.
Triggering Spawning: Perform large water changes (over 35%) using water that is several degrees cooler than the tank water to imitate the rainy season. Increasing aeration can also help.
Sexing: Males are often more slender, have more intense coloring, and may have a more reticulated pattern around the face and a taller dorsal fin. Females are typically rounder and larger.
Fry Care: Eggs are sticky and are often laid on the tank glass or plant leaves. Many breeders remove the parents or the eggs to a separate rearing tank to prevent the eggs from being eaten.
