Ornate cory
Introduction
The Ornate Cory (Corydoras ornatus) is a captivating freshwater fish cherished by aquarists for its striking appearance and peaceful demeanor. With its intricate patterns and active nature, this species adds both beauty and vitality to community aquariums. Suitable for beginner to intermediate fishkeepers, the Ornate Cory is relatively easy to care for, provided its specific needs are met.
Care and Environment
Providing optimal care for the Ornate Cory involves attention to tank size, water parameters, filtration, lighting, diet, and tank setup.
What is the minimum tank size for an Ornate Cory?
A minimum tank size of 76 liters (20 gallons) is recommended to accommodate a small group, as these fish thrive in social settings.
What are the ideal water parameters for Ornate Corys?
Maintain a temperature between 22°C and 26°C (72°F to 79°F), a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, and water hardness of 2 to 12 dGH.
How should the tank be set up for Ornate Corys?
Use a fine-grained substrate like sand to protect their delicate barbels. Include hiding spots such as caves and plants to mimic their natural habitat.
Ensure gentle filtration to replicate their native slow-moving waters. Standard aquarium lighting suffices, but providing shaded areas with plants can offer comfort. Feed a balanced diet of sinking pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Origin and Habitat
Native to Brazil's Lower Tapajós River and Trombetas River basins, the Ornate Cory inhabits slow-moving rivers and streams with soft, slightly acidic water. These environments feature sandy or muddy substrates and abundant vegetation, providing ample hiding spots and foraging grounds.
What type of water bodies do Ornate Corys inhabit?
They are found in slow-moving rivers and streams with soft, slightly acidic water.
What is the natural substrate preference for Ornate Corys?
They prefer sandy or muddy substrates in their natural habitat.
Temperament and Compatibility
Ornate Corys are peaceful, social fish that thrive in groups of six or more. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species, making them ideal for community tanks. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf gouramis.
Are Ornate Corys suitable for community tanks?
Yes, they are peaceful and coexist well with other non-aggressive species.
What are some compatible tank mates for Ornate Corys?
Suitable companions include small tetras, rasboras, and dwarf gouramis.
Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish, as this can cause stress or harm. Keeping them in groups encourages natural behaviors and reduces stress.
Interesting Facts
Ornate Corys exhibit unique behaviors and possess fascinating traits that endear them to aquarists.
Do Ornate Corys have any unique behaviors?
They are known to 'blink' their eyes by tilting them downward, a behavior that fascinates onlookers.
How do Ornate Corys reproduce?
During spawning, females carry 2–4 eggs between their pelvic fins, which are fertilized by the male before being attached to a chosen surface. This process repeats until about 100 eggs are laid.
Additionally, Ornate Corys have sharp barbs under each eye and in their fins, which they use defensively. These barbs contain a poison gland that can cause pain to potential predators, similar to a jellyfish sting.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:
Overview
Recommended Tank Size 20.1 Gallon (suitable for a small group) |
Minimum Group Size 6 |
Minimum Tank Volume 20.1 Gallon |
Maximum Adult Length 2.8 inch |
Average Adult Length 2.6 inch |
Shoaling (6+ required) Yes |
Preferred Water Type Freshwater, soft, slightly acidic |
Temperature Range (°C) 22–26 |
pH Range 6.0–7.5 |
Water Hardness (dGH) 2–12 |
Typical Lifespan (years) 5 years |