Melini Corydoras - Wild Caught 3.5cm

Melini Corydoras

Corydoras melini, commonly known as the False Bandit Cory or Melini Cory, is a natural and peaceful addition to the freshwater aquarium. Native to the clear water streams of Colombia and Venezuela in South America, this species is admired for its distinctive banding and sociable nature. This species also stays at a small size of 5 cm which will make them a great species for a South American community display tanks.

Mellini Corydoras mostly have a black-and-white colour which is part of the reason they are so appealing. The stark contrast between the light and dark colours makes these fish stand out in the aquarium whereas most Corydoras species tend to just be dark. The body colour of the Mellini Corydoras is an off-white colour that’s overlaid with browner, rusty tones from head to tail. Near the cheek plate, they have a metallic gold sheen which looks stunning as it captures the light. The main point of contrast is the two eye stripes that give the bandit mask look along with the jet black dorsal stripe which starts from the dorsal fin and ends at the tail. Whether these fish are kept on a lighter or darker substrate, it makes little difference due to how they stand out in either setting. Just like any other corydoras species, the Mellini cories 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 Mellini cories 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.

Tank Recommendations for your Corydoras Melini

As Melini cories reach around 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

Melini Corydoras are 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, convict cichlids, pearsi cichlids, and other peaceful for
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 Melini 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 or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.