Corydoras Carla 3.5cm

Corydoras Carla

The Corydoras Carla is an absolutely adorable, rare, and new Cory species that has entered the Australian aquarium hobby. These fish only reach around 4.5 cm and will be a fantastic collector’s species or for aquarists chasing a showpiece bottom dweller for their aquarium. Breeding this species would also be a great consideration not only to preserve them in the Australian hobby but to also help in bringing their price down for the rest of the hobby.

Corydoras Carla has a very unique, earthy, and natural colour palette. The base body colour is a sandy light brown with accents of grey and mild purple hues. This is overlaid with blocky splotches of dark grey and peppering that run from head to tail. At first glance, these fish almost pass off as a peppered Corydora, but a further glance demonstrates their beauty. Just like any other corydoras species, the Carla cories will constantly stir the substrate layer in order 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 Carla's are also considered to be 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 Carla corydoras is South America.

Tank Recommendations for you Corydoras Carla
As Carla cories 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
Carla corydoras are an incredibly peaceful fish that can be kept in an absolutely 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, 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 fishes death.

Feeding your Corydoras Carla
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 or even live foods like baby brine shrimp.