Why Group Sizes Matter
Cories are highly social. Singles or pairs become stressed, hide constantly, and lose color.
Minimum group: 6. Ideal: 8-10+. They school and play together visibly.
Common Species
Corydoras paleatus (Peppered Cory) — hardy, 2.5 inches.
Corydoras aeneus (Bronze Cory) — most common, 2.5 inches.
Corydoras sterbai (Sterba's Cory) — orange spots, 2.5 inches, popular.
Corydoras panda (Panda Cory) — small, distinctive black/white pattern, 2 inches.
Tank Setup
Sand substrate is critical — gravel can damage barbels.
Plenty of hiding caves and plants for security.
Smooth-edge décor only — sharp rocks injure delicate cory bodies.
Diet and Feeding
Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, peas.
They are NOT just for "cleaning up scraps." Cories need direct feeding.
- ✦Air gulping is normal — cories breathe atmospheric air through gut tissue
- ✦Cool water tolerance varies by species — research before mixing in heated tank
- ✦Easy to breed if water dropped in temperature simulating rain