Corydoras Catfish

Shop Corydoras catfish online at Aquaholics Online.

Corydoras are peaceful freshwater catfish known for their social behaviour, active personalities and constant foraging along the bottom of the aquarium. They are one of the most popular choices for community tanks and are available in a wide range of colours, patterns and species.

Our range may include Bronze Corydoras, Albino Corydoras, Panda Corydoras, Sterbai Corydoras, Peppered Corydoras, Julii-type Corydoras and other varieties depending on availability.

Corydoras for Community Aquariums

Corydoras are generally peaceful and well suited to community aquariums with other non-aggressive freshwater fish.

They spend much of their time exploring the lower levels of the tank and are especially interesting to watch when kept in suitable groups.

Because Corydoras are social fish, they are usually best maintained with others of their own or a compatible Corydoras species rather than being kept alone.

Keeping Corydoras in Groups

Corydoras naturally display social behaviour and generally feel more secure in groups.

Keeping several together can encourage more natural activity, including group foraging and swimming.

The exact number you can keep will depend on aquarium size, species and filtration, but larger suitable groups are generally preferable to keeping a single fish.

Aquarium Size

Corydoras are relatively small fish, but they still need adequate floor space.

Because they spend much of their time on the substrate, the footprint of the aquarium is particularly important.

Smaller Corydoras species may suit compact community aquariums, while larger species benefit from more space.

Always consider adult size and group size when choosing an aquarium.

Best Substrate for Corydoras

A smooth, fine substrate is generally ideal for Corydoras.

Sand is particularly popular because it allows them to forage naturally using their sensitive barbels.

Avoid sharp or abrasive gravel that may damage the mouth or barbels over time.

A clean substrate is also important, as Corydoras spend much of their time in direct contact with the aquarium floor.

Feeding Corydoras

Corydoras should not be expected to survive on leftover food alone.

They require a complete diet designed for bottom-feeding fish.

Suitable foods may include:

  • Sinking catfish pellets
  • Bottom-feeder wafers
  • High-quality micro pellets
  • Frozen foods
  • Small protein-rich foods
  • Species-appropriate sinking foods

Make sure enough food reaches the bottom of the aquarium, especially when Corydoras are kept with fast-feeding community fish.

Corydoras Tank Mates

Corydoras are usually compatible with peaceful freshwater community fish.

Potential tank mates can include:

  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Rasboras
  • Gouramis
  • Dwarf Cichlids
  • Peaceful livebearers
  • Bristlenose Catfish
  • Shrimp, depending on species and size

Avoid keeping Corydoras with highly aggressive or predatory fish that may harass or injure them.

Water Conditions

Corydoras generally prefer clean, stable freshwater conditions.

Exact requirements vary by species, but most commonly kept Corydoras do well in typical tropical aquarium temperatures with regular maintenance and good filtration.

Stable conditions are more important than frequent changes to water chemistry.

Always check the individual species requirements where possible.

Filtration & Water Quality

Good water quality is especially important for Corydoras because they spend much of their time near the bottom of the aquarium.

Use reliable filtration, perform regular water changes and avoid allowing excessive waste to build up in the substrate.

Gentle to moderate water movement is generally suitable, provided there are calmer areas where the fish can rest.

Aquarium Setup

A Corydoras aquarium can include:

  • Smooth sand or fine substrate
  • Driftwood
  • Rocks
  • Live plants
  • Shaded areas
  • Open feeding areas
  • Gentle hiding places

Live plants can create a natural environment while providing shelter and helping break up open spaces.

Corydoras also appreciate areas where they can easily forage across the substrate.

Corydoras & Live Plants

Corydoras are generally excellent fish for planted aquariums.

They do not usually damage healthy plants and can coexist well with planted layouts.

Choose substrate and planting methods that still leave open areas for bottom foraging.

Popular Corydoras

Bronze Corydoras

Bronze Corydoras are hardy, peaceful and one of the most widely kept Corydoras species.

They are a good choice for many freshwater community aquariums.

Albino Corydoras

Albino Corydoras are usually an albino form of the Bronze Corydoras and share similar care requirements.

Their pale colouration makes them easy to spot in planted or darker aquariums.

Panda Corydoras

Panda Corydoras are popular for their distinctive black-and-white markings and peaceful temperament.

They are particularly attractive when maintained in groups.

Sterbai Corydoras

Sterbai Corydoras are known for their attractive spotted pattern and orange-tinted fins.

They are a popular choice for warm tropical community aquariums.

Peppered Corydoras

Peppered Corydoras have a mottled pattern and are another hardy, commonly kept species.

They are generally peaceful and active when maintained in suitable groups.

Buy Corydoras Online in Australia

Aquaholics Online stocks a changing range of Corydoras catfish for freshwater aquarium enthusiasts across Australia.

Because live fish availability changes regularly, individual species and sizes may vary.

Browse the current range above to see which Corydoras are available now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Corydoras should be kept together?

Corydoras are social fish and generally do best in groups. The appropriate number depends on aquarium size, species and filtration, but keeping several together is usually preferable to keeping one alone.

What substrate is best for Corydoras?

Smooth sand or fine, non-abrasive substrate is generally ideal because Corydoras naturally forage along the bottom using their sensitive barbels.

Do Corydoras clean the aquarium?

Corydoras may eat food that reaches the bottom, but they are not aquarium cleaners. They still require a complete diet and do not replace normal maintenance.

What do Corydoras eat?

Suitable foods include sinking catfish pellets, bottom-feeder wafers, small sinking pellets and appropriate frozen foods.

Can Corydoras live with Guppies?

Yes, Corydoras and Guppies are often compatible when aquarium size, temperature and water conditions suit both species.

Can Corydoras live with Betta fish?

They sometimes can, provided the Betta has a suitable temperament and the aquarium offers enough space. Individual Betta behaviour can vary considerably.

Can Corydoras live with shrimp?

Many Corydoras can coexist with adult freshwater shrimp, although very small shrimp or young may still be vulnerable depending on the species and aquarium.

Do Corydoras need live plants?

No, but live plants can provide cover and help create a more natural environment. Open substrate areas should still be available for foraging.

Why do Corydoras swim to the surface?

Corydoras can naturally make occasional trips to the surface to gulp air. Frequent or unusual surface activity may also warrant checking water quality and oxygen levels.

Do you ship Corydoras Australia-wide?

Aquaholics Online ships live fish to eligible locations throughout Australia, subject to availability, regional restrictions and biosecurity requirements.

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