Origin: S. America: Peru

Care: A 10 gallon minimum tank for breeding but if in a community then 20 gallons, water properties are not critical. They will do well in water with a pH of 6-8, the temperature should be 22-27oC (72-82oF)

Feeding: A Carnivore, will devour any flakes which hit the bottom but should also be fed with catfish pellets and occasional livefood such as bloodworm to get the maximum colour and vitality out of your catfish.

Breeding: This corydoras is harder than others such as the bronze cory but the overall pattern is the same as for any other corydoras. Conditioned with a good diet of both catfish pellets, zuchini and live food such as blood worm the female will soon become heavily egg laiden. To induce the spawning a large water change with cooler water or leaving the heater off the night you wish them to spawn, this is best done in the early evening. The ratio should be two males to one female or a pair. For breeding it is best done in a seperate tank of 10 gallons with a bare bottom with Java moss, and a sponge filter - this will help give extra aeration and water movement which is essential for having a successful spawning. After the fry have hatched and once they have used up their yolksac feed them with a mixture of brineshrimp and fry flake.

Sexing: When viewed from above the females will be much wider than the males, they may also be larger overall.

Comments: They are more active by day when kept as a small group, feeding bloodworm induces a frenzy of activity with them feeding rapidly swallowing all bloodworms in sight. Their beautiful orange pectoral fins make them special and they still are quite a challenge to breed, suitable for an intermediate fish breeder looking for something more challenging. They each have their own personality.