Axelrods Corydoras Catfish Corydoras Axelrodi 3cm

Overview

Axelrod's Cory, also sold as the Pink Corydoras, is a slender, delicate-looking catfish with a pinkish-cream body and two dark stripes running along the flank to the tail. It comes from the Rio Meta basin in the Colombian llanos. Peaceful and highly sociable, it suits mature, well-maintained soft-water community aquariums.

• Adult Size: Around 5 cm (2 in); females larger and fuller
• Lifespan: 5–8 years

Origin

• Native to: Meta River basin, Colombia
• Habitat: Slow, soft, acidic streams over sand

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: Sinking catfish pellets, bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, brine shrimp, daphnia
• Feeding Habits: Feed sinking foods once or twice daily; small amounts eaten within minutes

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small tetras, rasboras, dwarf gouramis, dwarf cichlids, other Corydoras
• Avoid: Large, aggressive or fast-feeding fish

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and gregarious
• Territoriality: None

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Challenges: Prone to barbel erosion; needs sand, clean water and regular water changes

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and acidic
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH: 5.5–7.2
• Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 75 litres for a group of five or more

Final Notes

Young fish settle best in a mature tank with a group of five or more on soft sand; the species is prone to barbel infections on gravel, so frequent water changes are essential. Leave a lid gap for air gulps. Females are larger and fuller from above. A slightly cooler water change triggers spawning, with eggs stuck to plants and glass, hatching in three to four days. A rewarding cory for a careful keeper.