Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Blue Spotted Corydoras, or Cory for short, are native to the coastal river systems of northeast South America. Their species epithet, melanistius, translates to ‘black sail’ which describes their dorsal fin perfectly. Corydoras, in general, are armored catfish that also have spines at the edge of their pectoral fins to deter predators from eating them. One of the more beautifully decorated corys available in the aquarium trade, the bodies of Blue spotted corys are an overall pearly white color that’s decorated with dark dots. Extremely similar in appearance to the Delphax Corydoras (C. melanistius), but note that the tail pattern of the Blue spotted cory is striped rather than spotted. Additionally, Blue spotted corys have 12 to 13 dorsal fin rays while Delphax corys only have seven; this subtle difference can be difficult to observe, however. A popular scavenging catfish for community and planted aquariums, Blue spotted corys are extremely peaceful and reach an adult size of approximately 2-1/4″. Corydoras are very social, preferring to be kept in groups of 4 or more individuals. There are little differences between male and female, however females can appear a little more robust.
Diet Requirements: Blue spotted corys are omnivores. A diet made up of various high quality vegetable based and protein based flake foods, sinking micro pellet foods and bug bites are ideal, in addition to offering frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 20 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of Blue spotted corys, but they are versatile and can be added to even much larger aquariums. Unlike some of the other species in Corydoras, Blue spotted corys should not be added into a biologically immature aquarium as they are sensitive to nitrite and ammonia. Additionally, weekly water changes are necessary to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 20 ppm) as Blue spotted corys are more sensitive to deteriorating water parameters. The aquarium should be aquascaped with rocks and driftwood for coverage and places to hide, in addition to generous vegetation (artificial or live, but live is preferred). Corydoras require a sandy to fine substrate; too coarse of a substrate could cause injury to their barbels. Corydoras are opportunistic scavengers, making them very beneficial to have to forage for extra food of all kinds that has fallen to the substrate. Given their size and temperament, Blue spotted corys rarely conflict with other fish but can be easily bullied by more semi-aggressive bottom-dwelling species or more aggressive catfish species. Choose tank mates accordingly, but some common compatible options include tetras, rasboras, angelfish, dwarf cichlids, and livebearers. Different species of Corydoras catfish can be mixed with success. Recommended water conditions, 74-82° F, KH 2-15, pH 6.0-7.0.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1” to 1-1/4”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
