Discover the ultimate Corydoras care guide. Learn about tank setup, lifespan, size, diet, and the best tank mates for Corydoras catfish. Perfect tips for aquarists of all levels.
There are fish you buy because they’re colorful, and then there are fish you keep because they’re simply lovable. Corydoras fall into that second category. These small, armored catfish are like the “puppies” of freshwater aquariums—always busy, always social, and always a joy to watch.
👉 Quick Answer: Corydoras care means keeping them in groups, providing a sandy substrate, offering a varied diet, and ensuring clean, stable water conditions.
I still remember the first time I added a school of Corydoras to my tank. Instead of hiding, they got right to work—scooting along the sand, bumping into each other playfully, and making me smile instantly.
Corydoras Size & Max Size
👉 Short Answer: Most Corydoras grow to about 2–3 inches, with some species reaching a max size of 4 inches.
Their compact size makes them ideal for community tanks. While they stay small, their personalities are huge. Even in a 55-gallon tank, my group of ten still manages to be the stars of the show.
💡 Fun Fact: The smallest Corydoras, known as pygmy Corys, barely reach an inch. They’re perfect for nano setups.
Corydoras Lifespan
👉 Short Answer: Corydoras can live 5 years on average, but with great care, they may live up to 10 years.
These little armored catfish are tougher than they look. I’ve had some Corys that outlived more delicate fish in the same tank simply because they’re hardy and adaptable.
💡 Tip: Lifespan is directly tied to water quality. Keep up with your water changes, and your Corydoras will reward you with many active years.
Corydoras Tank Setup
👉 Short Answer: Corydoras need a soft sandy substrate, gentle filtration, plants, hiding spots, and a minimum 20-gallon tank for a small group.
Here’s how to create their dream home:
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Tank Size: 20 gallons for a group of 6 (bigger is always better).
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Substrate: Fine sand—never sharp gravel, as it damages their barbels.
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Plants: Java fern, Amazon swords, and floating plants for cover.
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Hiding Spots: Driftwood, caves, and rock structures.
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Water Parameters: 72–78°F, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water.
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Filtration: A sponge filter or canister filter with gentle flow.
When I switched my Corys from gravel to sand, their behavior changed overnight. They began sifting through the sand nonstop, clearly happier and more natural in their movements.
💡 Product Tip: CaribSea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand is a fantastic choice—it’s soft, natural-looking, and safe for Corydoras barbels.
Corydoras Diet
👉 Short Answer: Corydoras are bottom-feeders that thrive on sinking pellets, algae wafers, and occasional live or frozen treats.
Best diet options:
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Staple Food: Hikari Sinking Wafers – perfectly sized for Cory mouths.
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Variety: Omega One Shrimp Pellets – protein-packed.
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Treats: Frozen bloodworms, daphnia, and live blackworms.
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Veggie Boost: Blanched zucchini or cucumber slices.
I’ve noticed Corydoras love feeding together. Drop in a sinking wafer, and you’ll see six little catfish piling on top of each other like kids grabbing pizza.
Corydoras Tank Mates
👉 Short Answer: Corydoras do best with peaceful, community-friendly fish that won’t nip or harass them.
Great tank mates include:
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Neon and Cardinal Tetras
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Guppies and Mollies
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Rasboras
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Otocinclus Catfish
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Peaceful Dwarf Gouramis
Avoid aggressive or large cichlids that may bully or eat them.
I once made the mistake of keeping Corys with a pair of convict cichlids—let’s just say the Corys spent most of their time hiding. Lesson learned: keep them with friends, not fighters.
Corydoras Social Behavior
👉 Short Answer: Corydoras are schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6, though 10+ is ideal.
They are social creatures, and watching them interact is one of the best parts of owning them. Alone, they can become shy and stressed. Together, they’re confident, playful, and constantly exploring.
💡 From experience: My group of 12 Corys moves like a cleaning crew, sweeping the bottom of the tank in unison. It’s oddly satisfying to watch.
Corydoras Breeding
👉 Short Answer: Corydoras can be bred in captivity with cooler water changes that simulate the rainy season.
Steps:
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Condition adults with live/frozen foods.
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Perform a large, cool water change.
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Provide spawning sites like glass, plants, or slate.
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Remove eggs to a separate hatching tank.
Breeding Corys is a rewarding project. I’ve had them spawn after a thunderstorm, which made me realize just how tuned they are to nature’s rhythms.
Common Health Issues
👉 Short Answer: Corydoras are hardy but prone to barbel erosion, Ich, and bacterial infections if kept in poor conditions.
Prevention tips:
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Use sand, not gravel.
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Keep water clean and stable.
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Quarantine new fish.
I once lost a Cory to barbel erosion caused by rough gravel. Since then, I’ve been an advocate for sand-only substrates with Corys. It really makes a difference.
Corydoras Lifespan: Extending Their Years
👉 Short Answer: Good diet, proper substrate, and stress-free living can help Corydoras live longer than average.
Think of them as little armored tanks—they’re sturdy, but they still need a comfortable environment.
Tips for Successful Corydoras Care
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Keep them in schools of 6+.
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Use soft sand substrates.
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Offer sinking, varied foods.
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Maintain stable, clean water.
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Choose peaceful tank mates only.
Every time I follow these basics, my Corydoras thrive. Cut corners, and they let me know by becoming shy or inactive.
Final Thoughts on Corydoras Care
Corydoras may be small, but they have enormous personalities and add joy to any freshwater tank.
👉 Quick Recap:
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Size: 2–3 inches (max 4).
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Lifespan: 5–10 years.
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Tank Setup: Sand, plants, 20+ gallons, gentle filter.
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Diet: Sinking wafers, pellets, frozen/live foods.
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Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish.
If you’re looking for a hardy, active, and lovable fish that doubles as part of your tank’s cleanup crew, Corydoras are a perfect choice. They’re the kind of fish that make you smile every time you see them.