Bond’s catfish

The Blackstripe Corydoras, also known as Bond's catfish (*Corydoras bondi*), is a charming addition to freshwater aquariums. Belonging to the Corydoradinae sub-family, this species is appreciated for its peaceful nature and distinctive appearance. With a cream-colored body adorned with irregular dark spots and a prominent dark lateral stripe, the Blackstripe Corydoras adds visual interest to any tank. Its manageable size and straightforward care requirements make it suitable for both novice and intermediate aquarists. **What makes the Blackstripe Corydoras appealing to aquarists?** Its peaceful temperament and unique markings make it a favorite among fishkeepers seeking a harmonious and attractive community tank. **Is the Blackstripe Corydoras suitable for beginners?** Yes, due to its hardy nature and ease of care, it's an excellent choice for those new to fishkeeping. **How large does the Blackstripe Corydoras grow?** It typically reaches up to 5 cm in length, making it ideal for medium-sized aquariums. Caring for the Blackstripe Corydoras involves replicating its natural habitat to ensure optimal health and behavior. **Tank Size** A minimum tank size of 38 liters is recommended for a small group of Blackstripe Corydoras. Providing a larger tank, such as 75 liters, is ideal for accommodating a group of six or more, allowing ample space for swimming and social interactions. **Water Parameters** - **Temperature:** Maintain between 22°C and 26°C. - **pH Level:** Keep within a range of 6.0 to 8.0. - **Water Hardness:** Aim for 5 to 25 dGH. Regular water changes and efficient filtration are crucial to maintain water quality. **Filtration and Aeration** A high-quality filter is essential to remove waste and ensure clean water. Moderate water circulation and adequate oxygenation are important, as these fish thrive in well-oxygenated environments. **Lighting** Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient. Providing a day and night cycle helps mimic their natural environment. **Substrate and Decor** Use a soft, sandy substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Incorporate hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and dense vegetation to offer shelter and reduce stress. **Feeding Needs** Blackstripe Corydoras are omnivorous and feed on worms, benthic crustaceans, insects, and plant matter. In captivity, they accept a variety of foods, including high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Supplementing their diet with blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber provides essential nutrients. **Are Blackstripe Corydoras sensitive to water conditions?** While hardy, they prefer stable water parameters and can be sensitive to sudden changes. **Do they require a specific type of substrate?** Yes, a soft, sandy substrate is recommended to prevent damage to their barbels. **How often should I feed my Blackstripe Corydoras?** Feed them once or twice daily, offering only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes. The Blackstripe Corydoras is native to South America's inland waters, specifically the Yuruarí River in Venezuela and the Corantijn and Rupununi River basins in Guyana and Suriname. They inhabit tranquil rivers and streams characterized by clear waters, sandy or muddy substrates, and abundant shoreline vegetation. These environments provide ample hiding spots among submerged tree roots and aquatic plants, offering security and foraging opportunities. **What type of water bodies do they inhabit?** They are found in calm rivers and streams with clear waters and sandy or muddy bottoms. **Do they prefer areas with vegetation?** Yes, they thrive in regions with abundant shoreline vegetation and submerged roots. **Are there seasonal variations in their natural habitat?** Specific seasonal variations are not well-documented, but they are accustomed to stable environments with consistent conditions. Blackstripe Corydoras are peaceful, shoaling fish that thrive in groups of six or more. They are bottom dwellers, spending much of their time foraging along the substrate. Their calm demeanor makes them excellent companions for other non-aggressive species. **Suitable Tank Mates** - Small tetras (e.g., Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras) - Rasboras (e.g., Harlequin Rasboras, Chili Rasboras) - Other peaceful bottom dwellers **Unsuitable Tank Mates** - Large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or prey on them **How do Blackstripe Corydoras interact with other fish?** They are peaceful and coexist well with other non-aggressive species. **Is it necessary to keep them in groups?** Yes, they are shoaling fish and prefer the company of their own kind, ideally in groups of six or more. **Can they be kept with shrimp or snails?** Generally, they can coexist with shrimp and snails, but monitoring is advised to ensure harmony. Blackstripe Corydoras possess the unique ability to tilt their eyes, giving the appearance of blinking. They are facultative air breathers, equipped with a highly vascularized intestine that allows them to absorb atmospheric oxygen, enabling them to survive in low-oxygen environments. During breeding, females hold 2–4 eggs between their pelvic fins, where the male fertilizes them. The female then attaches the sticky eggs to suitable surfaces, repeating this process until about 100 eggs are laid. Notably, adults do not guard the eggs post-spawning. **Do Blackstripe Corydoras have any unique behaviors?** Yes, they can tilt their eyes, appearing to blink, and they occasionally gulp air from the surface. **How do they reproduce?** Females lay adhesive eggs on surfaces after fertilization by the male, without subsequent parental care. **Are they known to jump out of tanks?** While not known for jumping, it's advisable to keep the aquarium covered to prevent any accidental escapes. All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources: - - -