Care
The Blue Cory is known from the coastal rivers of south-eastern Brazil, occurring between Esparito Santo and Parana. This is a small, peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish that is ideal for mature, community aquaria. Gregarious by nature, Blue Cories should be kept in groups of 5 or more; this will not only create a beautiful display, but it will give these sociable, shoaling fish much more confidence to venture out into the open. Unfortunately, Blue Corys tend to be quite prone to barbel infections/erosion, so it is vitally important that the fish are kept on a soft sand substrate (rather than gravel where waste can build up unseen) in order to protect these delicate sensory organs. Regular maintenance, including frequent partial water changes, should be carried out in order to keep these fish in good condition. Provide some shady retreats amongst bogwood and areas of dense planting, and keep only with small, peaceable tankmates that enjoy slightly cooler conditions. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. It may do this numerous times per day. May also be seen on sale as Natterer's Cory.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/granules/tablets, flake, and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
It may be possible to trigger mature fish (2 males:1 female) into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. When ready to spawn, a pair should adopt the classic Corydoras T position where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the females pelvic fins. This species scatters the fertilised eggs over dense planting or onto the aquarium glass. Incubation is approximately 3-5 days (temperature dependent), and once the fry have absorbed their yolk sacs, they will be able to take infusoria followed by baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii), microworm etc.
