Metae Cory Catfish

Scientific Name

Corydoras metae

Common Names

• Bandit Cory
• Meta Cory
• Masked Corydoras

Physical Appearance

• Size: Reaches up to 2.5 inches (6–6.5 cm) in adulthood.
• Coloration:
  • Creamy or silvery body with a bold black band running through the eyes, resembling a mask.
  • Black dorsal fin with contrasting pale body coloration.
• Body Shape: Compact, armored body with barbels near the mouth.

Lifespan

• 5–8 years with proper care.

Temperament and Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful, social, and shy.
• Group Dynamics: Best kept in groups of at least 5–6 individuals.
• Activity Level: Active during the day but may show increased activity at dawn and dusk.
• Role in Tank: Excellent scavengers, cleaning up uneaten food on the substrate.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons for a small group.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • pH: 6.5–7.5
  • Hardness: 2–12 dGH
• Substrate: Sand or fine, smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels.
• Plants and Decorations: Live plants, driftwood, and caves for hiding spots. Open areas for swimming and foraging.
• Filtration: Gentle flow mimicking their natural river habitats.

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous.
• Food:
  • Sinking pellets or wafers as the main diet.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • Occasional blanched vegetables, like zucchini or spinach.

Compatibility

• Good Tank Mates:
  • Peaceful community fish (e.g., tetras, rasboras, guppies, or other small catfish).
  • Shrimp and snails.
• Avoid: Aggressive or large predatory fish and species that nip fins or compete aggressively for food.

Care Level

• Difficulty: Easy, great for beginners.
• Maintenance:
  • Weekly water changes (20–30%).
  • Keep substrate clean to prevent infections in their barbels.

Breeding

• Reproduction: Egg layers.
• Setup:
  • A breeding tank with soft, acidic water and a fine-leaved plant or spawning mop.
  • Feed high-quality live or frozen foods to encourage breeding.
• Process:
  • Males chase females until eggs are deposited on smooth surfaces like leaves or tank glass.
  • Remove parents after spawning to protect the eggs.
• Incubation: Eggs hatch in about 4–5 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flakes initially.

Interesting Facts

1. Native Habitat: Found in the Meta River basin in Colombia, hence the name.
2. Social Behavior: Their shoaling behavior makes them entertaining and endearing in groups.
3. Barbels: Use their sensitive barbels to search for food in the substrate, so sharp substrates must be avoided.