Corydoras Sipaliwini 3.5cm

Corydoras Sipaliwini

For aquarists looking to add something truly rare and unique to their nano or softwater aquariums, the Corydoras sipaliwini is a fascinating choice. These elusive corydoras come from the Sipaliwini savannah of Suriname, making them an extremely uncommon find in the aquarium trade. With their delicate features, peaceful nature, and charming schooling behaviour, they make for an excellent addition to planted aquariums and blackwater-style setups.

Corydoras sipaliwini have a dainty silver body, accented with a pronounced horizontal black stripe running from head to tail, which distinguishes them from other smaller cory species. Their subtle fins and small size of around 3 to 3.5 cm give them a very cute appearance. Much like their relatives in the pygmy and sipaliwini group, they exhibit more midwater swimming compared to bottom-dwelling species, often zipping about like a group of miniature torpedoes through the middle of the tank. Due to their small size and delicate biology, these corydoras are best kept in mature, stable aquariums with pristine water parameters and no sudden changes.

Breeding Corydoras sipaliwini is possible in captivity, but challenging due to their rarity and sensitivity. A separate breeding tank of around 20-30 litres, featuring soft, acidic water, moss, and spawning mops, is ideal. High-protein live or frozen food can condition them into spawning, which is typically triggered by cooler water changes. Eggs are laid on the tank glass or plant leaves, and like most Corydoras, the parents may occasionally snack on the eggs or fry, so separation or dense cover is recommended for successful rearing.

Tank Recommendations for your Corydoras Sipaliwini

The sipaliwini corydora will only reach a maximum size of 3.5 cm, which means they can actually be smaller than a full-grown shrimp. Keeping these fish in a smaller aquarium may actually be of benefit to them because a smaller system allows these nano fish to find food more easily compared to larger systems. A minimum tank volume of 30 litres would be great for a school of 6-10 sipaliwini Corydoras, which is a must-have requirement. Aquasoil or fine sand will make for a great substrate, along with the use of driftwood. Dense plant growth will make sure the fish feel more secure, thus keeping them out in the open more.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The sipaliwini Corydoras remain small and can easily be preyed on by fish. It is usually recommended to keep these fish alone as they can be very easily outcompeted; however, similarly natured nano fish will be fine.

Usually Compatible

Shrimp, celestial pearl danios, emerald rasboras, emerald green raspbora, and similar nano fish species.

Sometimes Compatible

Guppies, rummy nose tetras, leopard danio, and other nano fish, which may not directly predate on the sipaliwini corydora but have a high risk of outcompeting them during feeding or just stressing the cories out.

Rarely Compatible

Dwarf cichlids, tiger barbs, goldfish, and other species that would readily prey on the sipaliwini corydoras

Feeding your Corydoras Sipaliwini

Feeding sipaliwini Corydoras is quite similar to feeding shrimp. These fish have extremely small mouths and will need incredibly small food. Fry powder, micro worms, or a crushed flake will make for a great feeding option, as these foods will sink but also spend a lot of time suspended in the water column, which is perfect for these fish to feed on.