Corydoras are the most popular catfish in the aquarium hobby. With over 200 different species, which one is best for you?
We made a list of our favorite corys that suit every community aquarium!
1. Pygmy Cory (Corydoras Pygmaeus)
Pygmy Corys are one of the smallest corys described. Growing only to 2cm, these fish make a great Cory for any nano aquariums.
The Pygmy Cory is a peaceful, schooling fish with lots of personality. Pygmy Cory should be kept in schools of 6 or more. Helping them feel more safe and in turn more boisterous within the aquarium.
The Pygmy Cory is great for community aquariums but should not be kept with larger fish who are likely to snack on them. They enjoy swimming in the bottom-mid water column and can even be seen to school with other fish.
Pygmy Cory love frozen foods such as Bloodworms and Brine shrimp but should also be fed a quality Cory based food.
2. Orange Venezuela Cory (Corydoras Aeneus 'Venezuela')
The Venezuela Cory is a striking natural colour variation of the 'Corydoras Aeneus'. Growing to a size of 6.5cm, this Cory is suitable for community tanks.
The Venezuela Cory is a very peaceful schooling fish that should be kept in schools of 6 or more.
The Venezuela is an omnivorous fish and should be feed a high quality cory food as well as frozen Bloodworms and Brineshrimp.
The Venezuela should be kept in aquariums with temperatures of 22c to 28c. Softer water is preferred however somewhat flexiable to a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
3. Albino Cory (Corydoras Aeneus 'Albino')
The Albino Cory is one of the most popular Cory Catfish in the hobby. This is due to its affordable pricing and bright pink/white colouring.
The Albino Cory is an easy to keep cory and great for beginner aquarists. The Albino Cory is a variation of the Aeneus Cory which comes in a wide range of colours. Such as Orange, Emerald Green and Bronze.
The Albino Cory is an omnivorous fish and should be feed a high quality cory food as well as bloodworms and brineshrimp.
The Albino Cory grows to 6cm and should be kept in water 24c to 26c. The best pH for this fish is 6.0 to 7.2.
4. Gold Laser Cory (Corydoras sp. CW010)
The Gold Laser Cory is a somewhat newly found and undescribed species of Corydoras found in Peru.
A somewhat rarer cory in the aquarium hobby, this fish is in high demand due to its bright colourations of metallic green, bronze and gold.
The Gold Laser is a peaceful fish and does well in community aquariums. Like most corys, the Laser is an omnivorous fish and should be feed a high quality cory food as well as bloodworms and brineshrimp.
The Gold Laser is a schooling fish and should be kept in a school of 6 or more in an aquarium of 100L or more with a temperature of 23c to 27c.
5. Sterbai Cory (Corydoras Sterbai)
The Sterbai Cory is a beautiful Cory that is readily available in most aquarium stores. The Sterbai Cory is a great fish for every aquarium.
Originating from the Guapore River in South America. This cory likes to stick to the bottom of the aquarium. Like most Cory, the Sterbai Cory is a schooling fish and should be kept in a school of 6 or more.
The Sterbai Cory is an omnivorous fish and should be feed a high quality cory food as well as Frozen Bloodworms.
The Sterbai Cory grows to 6cm to 7cm and has a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. An aquarium of 70L or more should be used to house this fish. Temperature should 24c to 28c with a pH of 6.0 to 7.6.
6. Panda Cory (Corydoras Panda)
The Panda Cory is a stunning Cory from the larger rivers of Central and South America. Like most cory, the Panda Cory is a peaceful bottom dweller and can be kept in community tanks.
Panda Corys require a well-planted aquarium with plenty of places to seek shelter to provide relief from other fish and the lights. The Panda Cory enjoy being in dimmer lit tanks.
Like other corys, Panda Corys are best kept in numbers of 6 or more. An aquarium of 70L or more should be used to house these Corys.
The Panda Cory should be kept in aquariums with a temperature of 24c to 26c with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0.
7. False Bandit Cory (Corydoras Melini)
The False Bandit Cory also know as The Melini Cory is a beautifully marked Cory that isn't as common. The False Bandit cory is native to the Rios Negro in South America.
The Melini Cory naturally inhabits blackwater areas, stained naturally by flooded forests. The Melini Cory should be kept in aquariums with significant amounts of wood and plants.
The Melini Cory will grow to 5cm and is a schooling fish that should be kept in schools of 6 or more.
Melini Cory are an omnivorous fish and should be feed a high quality cory food as well as Frozen Bloodworms.
Melini Cory should be kept in an aquarium with temperature of 20c to 26c. The Melini Cory can live in aquariums with a pH of 4.0 to 7.0 however more acidic is preferred.
8. Julii Cory (Corydoras Julii)
The Julii Cory is a much sort after corydoras species. Not as commonly available as other Corys. The Julii Cory has a striking pattern of black markings on a grey body.
Julii Corys are great peaceful additions to community tanks but should be kept in a school of 6 or more. An aquarium of 70L or more should be used to house these Corys.
Plants, Rocks & Wood should be used to decorate the aquarium as well as provide sanctuary for the fish. The Julii Cory is an omnivorous fish and should be fed a varied diet of Pellets, Flakes and frozen Bloodworms.
The Julii Cory grows to 5cm and should be kept in waters of 24c to 27c.
9. Salt n Pepper Cory (Corydoras Habrosus)
Salt n Pepper Cory also known as the Habrosus Cory are a small growing cory suitable for any nano community aquarium.
A peaceful addition to any tank, these small Corys grow only to 2.5cm. An aquarium of atleast 35L should be used to house the Habrosus Cory. This Cory is a schooling Cory and should be kept in a school of 6 or more fish.
Plants, Rocks & Wood should be used to decorate the aquarium as well as provide sanctuary for the fish. The Habrosus Cory is an omnivorous fish and should be fed a varied diet of Pellets, Flakes and frozen Bloodworms.
The Habrosus Cory prefers an aquarium with temperature between 24c to 26c with a pH of 6.2 to 7.2.
10. Adolfoi Cory (Corydoras Adolfoi)
The Adolfoi Cory is a beautiful Cory originating from the Rio Negro Basin. A peaceful Cory that can be kept in most community aquariums.
The Adolfoi Cory is a schooling Cory and should be kept in a school of 6 or more fish. An Aquarium of 70L or more should be used to house a school of these fish.
Driftwood, branches, plants and leaf litter should be provided for the Adolfi Cory. The Adolfi Cory is an omnivorous fish and should be fed a varied diet of Pellets, Flakes and frozen Bloodworms.
An aquarium with a temperature of 21c to 26c and a pH of 4.0 to 7.0 should be provided.
