Bondi Cory Catfish

Scientific Name

Corydoras bondi

Common Names

• Bond's Cory
• Bondi Catfish

Physical Appearance

• Size: Reaches about 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm) when fully grown.
• Coloration:
  • A pale silvery body with a bronze or greenish sheen on the upper part.
  • Black or dark spots scattered irregularly along the sides and dorsal area.
  • Fins are generally translucent or lightly spotted.
• Body Shape: Classic Corydoras body with a slightly rounded shape and barbels for foraging.

Lifespan

• 5–8 years with proper care.

Temperament and Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful, shy, and social.
• Group Dynamics: Prefers to be in groups of at least 5 or more, which encourages natural schooling behavior.
• Activity Level: Active during the day and twilight hours.
• Role in Tank: Excellent scavenger, helping to clean up leftover food from the substrate.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5
  • Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Substrate: Soft sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels.
• Plants and Decorations:
  • Dense planting for cover and shaded areas.
  • Driftwood and caves provide hiding spots.
  • Open areas for foraging and swimming.
• Filtration: Gentle water flow with good oxygenation, mimicking slow-moving streams.

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous.
• Food:
  • High-quality sinking pellets or wafers as the staple diet.
  • Live or frozen treats like brine shrimp, bloodworms, or tubifex worms.
  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) can be offered occasionally.

Compatibility

• Good Tank Mates:
  • Peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, guppies, or other small corydoras.
  • Snails and shrimp.
• Avoid: Large or aggressive fish like cichlids, as well as fin-nipping species like tiger barbs.

Care Level

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate; ideal for beginner to intermediate aquarists.
• Maintenance:
  • Perform weekly water changes of 20–30%.
  • Keep substrate clean to prevent barbels from becoming infected.

Breeding

• Reproduction: Egg layers.
• Setup:
  • A breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water, spawning mops, or fine-leaved plants.
  • Condition fish with a protein-rich diet to encourage spawning.
• Process:
  • Females deposit eggs on smooth surfaces, such as leaves, tank walls, or decor.
  • Remove parents post-spawning to prevent them from eating the eggs.
• Incubation: Eggs hatch within 4–5 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or powdered fry food.

Interesting Facts

1. Origins: Native to freshwater rivers and streams in Venezuela and nearby regions.
2. Social Behavior: Bondi Corys are happiest and most active in groups, displaying their best natural behaviors when kept in schools.
3. Scavenger Role: While they help clean up the substrate, they still need proper feeding and care to remain healthy.