Caudimaculatus Corydoras - Wild Caught 3cm

Caudimaculatus Corydoras
 

The Corydoras Caudimaculatus is arguably one of the most beautiful and cute species out of all corydoras. The almost galaxy-like patterning along with how these corydoras only reach a maximum of 4.5 cm make them an incredibly versatile and easy fish to care for. They are also seldom seen in the home aquarium due to their lack of awareness but will make for a great highlight bottom dweller in a community tank or a fantastic breeding project.

Corydoras Caudimaculatus mostly have a unique and stunning set of colours. The base colour of these fish is a bright tin foil silver with a light blue sheen running from head to tail, this catches the light and just shimmers amazingly in the aquarium. On top of this, they are overlaid with black spots that look like a reverse night sky which is just amazing to see. These spots are quite close towards the face and then space out towards the tail, but to make up for this there is a single large jet-black spot here. The fins also have a bronze undertone which adds another level of contrast to these already stunning fish. Just like any other corydoras species, the Corydoras Caudimaculatus will constantly stir the substrate layer to look for food. This behaviour ensures they are keeping the substrate turned over and any debris in the water column, which can then be picked up by the aquarium filter. They are almost exclusively bottom-dwelling fish and are an awesome option to add some life to the bottom of the tank.

The Corydoras Caudimaculatus are also considered to be a schooling catfish and it would be best to keep them in a group of at least 5-6 although more than this will never hurt. Differentiating males and females is possible where the males are often smaller and narrower compared to the larger-bodied females. The best method to identify is to get a school and let a pair naturally form. Females are often triggered to spawn after being fed high-quality food and a slight reduction in the temperature. The wild origin of the Corydoras Caudimaculatus is South America.

Tank Recommendations for your Caudimaculatus Corydoras

As Corydoras Caudimaculatus reach around 4.5 cm as adults it is best to keep them in an aquarium with a minimum size of around 70 litres. A larger aquarium will always be better since a larger school can be kept along with the space for other tank mates. A sand substrate is best as coarser substrates like gravel often result in corydoras damaging their barbels. They will also love plants in the aquarium and places for cover through the addition of driftwood. As these are tropical fish, it is best to maintain the temperature at around 24-26 degrees.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Corydoras Caudimaculatus is an incredibly peaceful fish that can be kept in a massive range of community aquariums. They do not display any aggression even when breeding and make for a perfect addition even with sensitive or shy fish. The obvious consideration would be to just avoid keeping anything that might harm this fish.

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, cardinal tetras, rams, discus, and similar peaceful South American species.

Sometimes Compatible

Mystus catfish, geophagus, veja cichlids, and other peaceful but potentially territorial species.

Rarely Compatible

Large and aggressive species such as oscars may prey on the Corydoras. This is especially important as Corydoras have spines on their pectoral fins like many catfish, this can result in both the corydoras and the predator fish’s death.

Feeding your Caudimaculatus Corydoras

Just like any other corydoras these fish are very easy to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods.

The ideal diet would be a good quality micro slow-sinking pellet or crushed flake, supplemented with frozen bloodworms black worms, or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or microworms.