Dwarf Corydoras "have special appeal"

Dwarf Corydoras have been recommended as a charming small fish for those with a South American-style aquarium.

Dwarf Corydoras have a "special appeal" that could entice fishkeepers who want to take on some catfish.

This is according to Nathan Hill, who claimed they have a "charm all of their own".

Writing for Practical Fishkeeping, he explained dwarf Corydoras do not show some of the vibrant colours displayed by other larger catfish, while they have a much quieter and mild-mannered temperament.

However, they can be a subtle yet special addition to an aquarium and there are three types most commonly available from retailers, C. pygmaeus, C. hastatus and C. habrosus.

They originate from South America and when establishing a tank, enthusiasts should add plenty of wood and soft, dark substrate, complemented by heavy planting. Both broad-leafed plants and grassy varieties will be suitable and fishkeepers may have to use additional aquarium lighting if they decide to densely plant their fish tank. A layer of leaf litter can also be added.

After getting the aesthetics of their aquarium right, people will then need to ensure they maintain suitable conditions for their dwarf Corydoras. Optimal temperature is 24 or 25 degrees C (75 or 77 degrees F), although the species will tolerate temperatures of between 22 and 26 degrees C (72 and 79 degrees F).

The pH should be between 6.0 and 7.2 and they prefer soft, acidic water with a hardness below 15 degrees DH.

Although the fish are small and will be happy in a smaller aquarium, enthusiasts should not "go to extremes with how tiny a home [they] can get away with", Mr Hill said. They also like to be kept in shoals, so need enough room to swim around in their group.

They can be fed a varied diet and will eat fish flakes and well as frozen and live foods.

Posted by Lee Paul
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Tuesday, 21 Feb 2012, 5:06pm