These long-lived catfish are best kept in groups in a large aquarium with a sandy substrate
Overview
Synonyms
Corydoras haraldschultzi
Distribution
Bolivia and Brazil.
Maximum Size
6.5cm (2.6")
Temperature
24-28°C
Water Parameters
Soft and slightly acidic is best. pH: 5.5-7.0, dH: up to 12 degrees.
Compatibility
Community
Lighting
No special requirements
Sexual Dimorphism
Mature females are larger and appear fuller when viewed from above.
Feeding
Catfish pellets, granules, flake and frozen foods
Description
Care
Mosaic Corydoras are ideal catfish for the mature softwater community aquarium housing other peaceful species. Like all species of Corydoras catfish, these fish must be kept on a soft sand substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbel area, and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to their shoaling nature. Some shady planted areas should be provided. 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. This species is sometimes confused with Hoplisoma sterbai. B. haraldschultzi have much longer snouts compared to the rounder faced sterbai. Also, haraldschultzi sports a pattern of dark spots on a light background on the head area, whereas sterbai's head area has a pattern of white dots on a dark background.
Recent work on the previously enormous genus Corydoras has moved this species into Brochis, reflecting a close kinship despite some differences such as numbers of dorsal fin rays and a lack of senior synonyms used for the other groups/lineages of former Corydoras species. Further studies will probably result in this fish being placed in a new genus.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.
Breeding
Mature fish (2 males:1 female) can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change and letting the temperature slowly creep back up to around 28 °C. A pair will adopt the classic Corydoras T position where the male fertilises the eggs that are held between the females pelvic fins. The semi-adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, decor, or the sides of the aquarium etc and the process repeated. The eggs generally take around 5-6 days to hatch, and once free-swimming the fry are able to take finely-powdered first foods and newly hatched brineshrimp. To avoid predation and ensure a higher success rate, many fishkeepers move the parents to another aquarium after the eggs have all been deposited.
Where can I buy these aquarium fish or invertebrates?
If you like this species and would like to find out more, we have an enormous range of aquarium fish and invertebrates available to buy in all of our stores across the UK (including freshwater tropical and marine fish).
However, please note that this species may not be available in your chosen store, even if the store specialises in this particular species. This is due to seasonality and stock availability from store-to-store. Please check with your local store about availability of specific species to purchase before making a journey.
For delivery before Christmas, orders must be placed on or before 3pm on Wednesday 20th December. We cannot guarantee delivery of these orders pre-Christmas as we are reliant on our couriers, but will use our best endeavours to get orders placed on this date out to you before Christmas. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
Please note: online orders placed after 3pm on Friday 22nd December will not be dispatched until the New Year. For full details of our festive delivery and opening times click here
