corydoras

Corydoras is a genus of freshwater catfish in the family Callichthyidae, native to tropical South America. With more than 170 described species, Corydoras includes small to medium-sized, bottom-dwelling fish commonly kept in home aquariums as peaceful community residents.

They are characterized by two rows of bony plates along the body, a subterminal mouth equipped with long barbels, and a slender, slightly upturned silhouette. Most species reach about 2 to 6 cm (1–2.5 inches), though some can grow larger. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on small invertebrates, biofilm, detritus, and sinking foods; in aquariums they typically accept standard pellets, wafers, and live or frozen foods.

Corydoras habitats include slow-moving rivers, floodplain lakes, and streams with soft substrates such as sand or fine gravel. They prefer calm waters with regular water changes and good oxygenation. They are social fish, best kept in groups of at least 5–6, and often display increased activity at dawn and dusk.

A facultative air-breather, Corydoras can gulp air from the surface to supplement oxygen when dissolved oxygen is low. They reproduce by laying adhesive eggs on surfaces; in aquarium setups, eggs hatch after several days and the fry feed on infusoria and fine foods.

The genus Corydoras is widely represented in the aquarium trade and in the wild range across many river basins of northern and central South America.