Peces gato

Frequently Asked Questions

• What do corydoras eat?
  Corydoras are omnivores. Feed them sinking pellets, wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables. Avoid relying solely on them to "clean up" leftover food.
• How many corydoras should I keep together?
  A minimum of 6 is recommended — they're schooling fish and thrive in groups. Larger groups of 10 or more show more natural behavior and reduce stress.
• What tank size do corydoras need?
  A 20-gallon long is the minimum for a small group. Longer tanks are preferred over tall ones since corydoras are bottom dwellers.
• What water parameters do corydoras prefer?
  Temperature: 72–78°F, pH: 6.0–7.5, Hardness: 2–12 dGH. They prefer soft, slightly acidic water similar to South American rivers.
• Do corydoras need a sandy substrate?
  Yes — fine sand or smooth gravel is essential. Sharp substrate can damage their sensitive barbels, leading to infections.
• Are corydoras compatible with other fish?
  They're peaceful and work well with tetras, rasboras, livebearers, and dwarf cichlids. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
• Why do corydoras swim to the surface?
  They gulp air at the surface to supplement oxygen through their intestine — this is normal. However, frequent surfacing can signal poor water quality.
• How do I breed corydoras?
  Trigger spawning with a water change using slightly cooler water. They lay eggs on glass or plants. Remove eggs to a separate tank to prevent predation.
• What other bottom feeders can live with corydoras?
  Otocinclus, kuhli loaches, and nerite snails are great tankmates. Avoid large plecos that may compete aggressively for territory.
• Do corydoras need a filter with low flow?
  They prefer moderate flow that mimics their natural habitat. Strong currents can stress them — use a sponge filter or baffle your HOB filter output.