Agassiz's Spotted Corydoras Agassizii 3cm Catfish

Overview

Agassiz's Cory is a peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish with a pale body covered in fine dark spots and a dark mask across the eyes. It shuffles through sand in a busy group, sifting food with its sensitive barbels. From the Amazon basin on the Brazil and Peru border, it is well suited to soft-water community aquariums with a sandy substrate.

• Adult Size: Around 7 cm (2.8 in); females larger
• Lifespan: 5–10 years

Origin

• Native to: Upper Amazon basin, Brazil and Peru, near Tabatinga and Iquitos
• Habitat: Slow tributaries and streams with sand and leaf litter

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous forager
• Preferred Foods: Sinking catfish pellets, granules, bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Feeding Habits: Daily sinking food after lights out; do not rely on leftovers

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, gouramis, other Corydoras
• Avoid: Large or aggressive cichlids, fin nippers, anything that eats small fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and gregarious
• Territoriality: None; keep in groups of 6 or more

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Barbels erode on sharp gravel or dirty substrate

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic to neutral
• Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.8
• Hardness: 2–15 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres for a group of six

Final Notes

Keep these catfish over soft sand kept scrupulously clean, with shady retreats under bogwood and plants; sharp or dirty gravel damages their barbels. Corydoras gulp air at the surface, so leave a gap below the lid. The name is often misapplied to similar species. Breeding follows the classic Corydoras T-position, with females holding eggs between their pelvic fins. Pectoral spines can prick skin, so net carefully. An endearing, hard-working group for the tank floor.