Albino Corydoras Paleatus

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras paleatus (Albino variant)
• Common Names: Albino Corydoras Paleatus, Albino Peppered Cory, Albino Paleatus Cory
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: South America, primarily from the Paraná River Basin, Uruguay, and Argentina. The albino form is bred in captivity.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Albino Cory Paleatus grows to about 2.5 inches (6 cm) in length, with females being slightly larger than males.
• Coloration: They have a pale, pinkish-white body with red or pink eyes due to the lack of pigmentation. Their albino color gives them a unique look compared to the typical Peppered Corydoras.
• Body Shape: Like all Corydoras, they have a compact, rounded body, a flat underside, and whisker-like barbels near their mouth, which they use to forage for food at the bottom of the tank.

Behavior

• Temperament: Albino Paleatus Corys are very peaceful, social, and active fish. They do well in community tanks and are unlikely to bother any tank mates.
• Sociability: These fish are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 4 to 6. When kept in groups, they exhibit natural schooling behaviors and are more active and playful.
• Activity Level: They are primarily active during the day and spend most of their time foraging at the tank bottom, sifting through the substrate for food.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is suitable for a small group of Albino Cory Paleatus.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), they tolerate cooler water better than many tropical species.
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Water Hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
• Substrate: Use soft sand or fine gravel as the substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, which they use to search for food.
• Tank Setup:
  • Create a tank with plenty of hiding places such as plants, driftwood, and rocks.
  • Leave some open areas for them to forage.
  • Maintain good water quality with regular water changes, as Corydoras are sensitive to dirty water.

Diet

• Feeding: Albino Cory Paleatus are omnivores that thrive on a balanced diet of:
  • Sinking pellets or bottom feeder tablets as their staple diet.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • They will also eat algae wafers and any leftover food that falls to the tank bottom.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice a day, ensuring the food reaches the bottom of the tank.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Albino Cory Paleatus are egg layers and relatively easy to breed in captivity.
  • To encourage breeding, perform frequent water changes and lower the water temperature slightly.
  • The females will lay eggs on flat surfaces, such as glass, leaves, or tank decor. After fertilization, remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
  • The eggs hatch within 3 to 5 days, and the fry become free-swimming in about a week.
  • Feed the fry powdered or finely crushed food until they are large enough to eat regular foods.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Albino Cory Paleatus are peaceful and make excellent tank mates for other non-aggressive species. Suitable tank mates include:
  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Rasboras
  • Small peaceful cichlids
  • Plecos
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive or large fish that might see them as food or outcompete them for food.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Albino Cory Paleatus can live up to 5 years or more in a well-maintained aquarium.

Health Considerations

• Common Diseases: They are prone to common freshwater diseases like Ich and fin rot. They are also sensitive to poor water quality, which can lead to barbel erosion or infections.
• Barbel Health: Ensure the substrate is soft and smooth to protect their barbels from injury, as damaged barbels can lead to infections.
• Prevention: Keep the water clean with regular maintenance and avoid sharp or jagged decorations in the tank.

Interesting Facts

1. Cool Water Tolerance: Unlike many tropical species, Albino Cory Paleatus can tolerate cooler water, making them a versatile species in temperate setups.
2. Air Breathers: Like other Corydoras species, they have the ability to gulp air from the surface, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
3. Schooling Fish: These fish are happiest when kept in groups and will often school together, making them more active and less shy.