Sale

TF632

Corydoras ellisae - (No Online Purchases)

4 items left

Here’s a clear, shop-ready care guide for Corydoras ellisae (often sold as “False Network Cory” or similar), written with Australian spelling and tailored for home aquarists.


Overview

  • Common name: Corydoras ellisae
  • Family: Callichthyidae
  • Origin: South America (Amazon basin, particularly Peru)
  • Size: ~5–6 cm
  • Lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care
  • Temperament: Peaceful, schooling bottom-dweller

This species is a hardy, attractive Corydoras with a reticulated or “network-like” pattern, making it popular for community aquariums.


Tank Requirements

  • Minimum tank size: 60 litres (larger preferred for groups)
  • Substrate: Fine sand is strongly recommended
    • Prevents damage to their sensitive barbels
  • Decor: Driftwood, plants, and shaded areas
  • Filtration: Moderate, with gentle flow
  • Lid: Recommended (they may dart to the surface)

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 22–26°C
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Water quality: Very important
    • Sensitive to ammonia and nitrite
    • Regular water changes (20–30% weekly)

Behaviour & Compatibility

  • Schooling fish: Keep in groups of at least 5–6 (more is better)
  • Tank mates:
    • Small, peaceful fish (e.g. tetras, rasboras, dwarf gourami)
    • Avoid aggressive or large species
  • Activity:
    • Most active during dusk and dawn
    • Frequently sift substrate for food

Feeding

  • Diet: Omnivorous bottom feeder
  • Recommended foods:
    • Sinking pellets or wafers
    • Frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp)
    • Live foods occasionally
  • Important:
    • Do not rely on “leftovers” from other fish
    • Ensure food reaches the bottom

Special Care Notes

  • Barbel health:
    • Avoid sharp gravel and poor water conditions
  • Air breathing:
    • Like other Corydoras, they occasionally gulp air from the surface
    • This is normal behaviour
  • Acclimatisation:
    • Drip acclimation recommended due to sensitivity

Breeding (Optional Info for Customers)

  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Spawning trigger: Cooler water changes, increased feeding
  • Egg laying: On glass, plants, or decor
  • Parental care: None (eggs should be separated to prevent predation)

Common Customer Mistakes

  • Keeping too few (they become stressed alone)
  • Using coarse gravel (damages barbels)
  • Assuming they “clean the tank”
  • Overlooking water quality
  • Mixing with aggressive species


Recommendations

  • groups, not single fish
  • sand substrate 
  • appropriate sinking foods
  • not algae eaters
  • peaceful nature and community suitability

Free Shipping over $150

FAQs

Visit our store

Join our Rewards Club

Search