Corydoras San Juan - Wild Caught 3cm

Corydoras San Juan - Wild Caught

The Corydoras San Juan is a newly available and highly sought-after wild-caught Cory for those who are after something a bit more special and natural. This species is native to the San Juan River basin in South America and is a fantastic choice for aquarists looking to keep an authentic and region-specific biotope. The San Juan Cory offers a unique blend of pattern, body shape, and behaviour that sets it apart from the more commonly seen Corydoras species in the hobby.

Visually, the Corydoras San Juan has a pearly white to creamy base body colour that is overlaid with dark speckled markings and blotches along the back and flanks. These spots appear more concentrated around the dorsal fin and become scattered towards the tail, giving them a mottled, natural look that blends beautifully into leaf-littered or sandy aquascapes. Many specimens also have a light golden hue on the head and facial area, especially around the gill plates and cheekbones. This soft gold shimmer is most noticeable when viewed under aquarium lighting. Their overall body structure is fairly classic for a Corydoras, though some individuals may show slightly elongated snouts. Like all Corys, their constant foraging and playful behaviour add non-stop activity to the base layer of an aquarium.

As is typical with wild Corydoras, the San Juan should be kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals, but more is always better. They are peaceful, social fish that thrive in numbers and will often huddle, school, or forage together in unison. Males tend to be smaller and more slender, whereas females appear rounder and bulkier, especially when filled with eggs. Breeding in the home aquarium is certainly possible, with a drop in temperature and high-quality feeding helping to trigger spawning behaviour.

Tank Recommendations for your Corydoras San Juan - Wild Caught

San Juan Corys grow to around 5-6 cm as adults and are best kept in aquariums with a minimum volume of 70 litres. A sand substrate is absolutely essential to protect their delicate barbels and allow natural sifting behaviour. These fish love planted tanks with driftwood, leaf litter, and shaded areas to mimic their natural riverine habitats. Though not overly sensitive, they do best in clean, well-oxygenated water with stable temperatures of 24-26°C and a soft, slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Corydoras San Juan is are incredibly peaceful and social fish that will mix perfectly with a wide range of community species. They pose no threat to tank mates and are actually more likely to be bullied than to cause any issues themselves. Their gentle nature makes them ideal for calmer setups.

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, cardinal tetras, rams, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids like apistos, hatchetfish, and other peaceful South American fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Geophagus, keyhole cichlids, and larger gouramis. These species may show territorial behaviour during feeding or breeding, so caution is advised.

Rarely Compatible

Large aggressive species like oscars, green terrors, or jaguar cichlids should be avoided. These may see the San Juan Cory as prey, and due to the sharp pectoral spines of Corydoras, both fish can be harmed in the process.

Feeding your Corydoras San Juan - Wild Caught

San Juan Corydoras are unfussy eaters and will thrive on a varied diet. A good base is a quality sinking pellet or wafer, but this should be supplemented with frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp or even live blackworms. Crushed flakes and soft vegetable-based pellets can also be offered for variety.