Care
Corydoras orcesi was previously described as a subspecies of C. pastazensis, but is now considered a separate species. These bottom dwellers, named in honour of Dr Gustavo Orces-Villagomez, are ideally suited to mature softwater community aquaria.They must be kept on a soft sand substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbels, and maintained in groups of 5 or more due to their shoaling nature. A good amount of bogwood, rocky caves, and tall or broad-leaved plants will create much appreciated shady areas and will help to make this species feel more secure. Tankmates should be small and peaceful. Frequent partial water changes are a must for these catfish, as they can be very sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. 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 takeair in. It may do this numerous times per day.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae and vitamin-enriched brineshrimp.
Breeding
Captive breeding reports are few are far between. It may be possible to trigger mature fish 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 female's pelvic fins.
