Acre corydoras
Introduction
The Acre corydoras (Corydoras acrensis) is a charming and peaceful freshwater fish native to the Juruá River basin in Brazil. Belonging to the Callichthyidae family, this small, bottom-dwelling species is renowned for its gentle nature and distinctive appearance, making it a favorite among aquarists. With proper care, the Acre corydoras can thrive in home aquariums, offering both aesthetic appeal and engaging behavior.
What makes the Acre corydoras appealing to aquarists?
Its peaceful temperament and unique appearance make it an excellent addition to community tanks.
Is the Acre corydoras suitable for beginners?
Yes, with proper care and attention to their specific needs, they are well-suited for beginner aquarists.
Care and Environment
Providing an appropriate environment is crucial for the health and well-being of Acre corydoras. A minimum tank size of 40 liters is recommended to accommodate a small group, as these fish are social and thrive in groups of at least six. A larger tank, around 75 liters, is ideal for maintaining a harmonious community.
What are the ideal water parameters for Acre corydoras?
Maintain a temperature between 21-25°C, a pH of 6.0-7.5, and water hardness ranging from 36 to 215 ppm.
What type of substrate is best for Acre corydoras?
A soft, sandy substrate is preferred to protect their sensitive barbels and support natural foraging behavior.
Filtration should be efficient to keep the water clean, but avoid strong currents, as Acre corydoras prefer gentle water flow. Moderate lighting is sufficient, and the tank should include hiding spots such as plants, driftwood, and smooth rocks to provide security and mimic their natural habitat.
As omnivores, Acre corydoras require a balanced diet. High-quality sinking pellets or wafers should form the staple of their diet, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms or brine shrimp to ensure optimal health and coloration. Feeding them during the evening aligns with their natural activity patterns.
How often should Acre corydoras be fed?
Feed them once or twice daily, offering only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding.
Origin and Habitat
Endemic to the Juruá River basin in Brazil, Acre corydoras inhabit freshwater rivers and streams characterized by soft, slightly acidic to neutral waters. These environments are typically rich in vegetation with sandy or muddy substrates, providing ample hiding spots and foraging opportunities. The natural habitat features slow to moderate water flow, and seasonal variations can influence water parameters, so replicating these conditions in captivity is beneficial for their well-being.
What type of environment do Acre corydoras prefer?
They thrive in environments with soft, slightly acidic to neutral waters, abundant vegetation, and sandy or muddy substrates.
Temperament and Compatibility
Acre corydoras are peaceful and social fish that should be kept in groups of at least six to promote natural behaviors and reduce stress. They are compatible with other non-aggressive species, making them ideal for community tanks. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, and other peaceful bottom dwellers. Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or harm them.
Can Acre corydoras be kept with shrimp?
Yes, they can coexist with shrimp, as they are not known to prey on them.
Providing a well-structured environment with plenty of hiding spots and open swimming areas will help maintain a harmonious tank community.
Interesting Facts
Acre corydoras possess a unique ability to breathe atmospheric air by gulping air at the water's surface, thanks to a modified, highly vascularized intestine. This adaptation allows them to survive in oxygen-deprived environments. Additionally, their pectoral-fin spines can deliver a painful sting if mishandled, so care should be taken when handling them. These fish are also known for their distinctive shuffling behavior, using their pectoral fins to stir up the substrate in search of food particles.
Why do Acre corydoras gulp air at the surface?
They have a modified intestine that allows them to extract oxygen from swallowed air, aiding survival in low-oxygen environments.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:
Overview
Recommended Tank Size 19.8 Gallon (for groups of 6 or more) |
Minimum Group Size 6 |
Minimum Tank Volume 10.6 Gallon |
Maximum Adult Length 2.2 inch |
Average Adult Length 2 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) Yes |
Preferred Water Type Freshwater, soft, slightly acidic to neutral |
Temperature Range (°C) 21-25 |
pH Range 6.0-7.5 |
Water Hardness (dGH) 2-12 |
Typical Lifespan (years) 3 years |