Albino Cory Catfish

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus (Albino variant)
• Common Names: Albino Cory Catfish, Albino Corydoras, Albino Bronze Cory
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: South America, particularly from the Amazon Basin, though the albino variety is a cultivated strain.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Albino Cory Catfish typically grow to about 2 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.5 cm) in length.
• Coloration: These catfish have a pale, pinkish-white body due to their lack of pigmentation, with red or pink eyes typical of albino animals. Their skin can reflect light, giving them a slight shimmer under good lighting.
• Body Shape: Albino Corys have a compact, rounded body with a flat underside, making them excellent bottom-feeders.

Behavior

• Temperament: Albino Cory Catfish are peaceful and social, making them an ideal choice for community tanks. They prefer to be in groups and are often seen foraging at the bottom of the tank.
• Sociability: These catfish are schooling fish, and they thrive in groups of at least 4 to 6 individuals. In larger groups, they display more natural and active behaviors.
• Activity Level: Active bottom-dwellers, Albino Corys spend most of their time scavenging the substrate for leftover food. They are typically most active during the day.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Albino Corys.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Water Hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
• Substrate: A soft, sandy substrate is ideal, as these fish constantly sift through the substrate for food, and coarse gravel can damage their sensitive barbels.
• Tank Setup:
  • Provide plenty of hiding places with driftwood, rocks, and plants, as these fish appreciate having places to retreat to.
  • Ensure good water quality with regular water changes, as Corydoras are sensitive to poor water conditions.
  • Moderate water flow is preferred, simulating the slow-moving streams and rivers they inhabit in the wild.

Diet

• Feeding: Albino Cory Catfish are omnivores that feed on a variety of foods:
  • Sinking pellets or bottom feeder tablets should be the main diet to ensure they can access food that sinks to the bottom.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • They will also consume algae wafers and enjoy scavenging for 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 Catfish are egg layers, and breeding is relatively easy in a well-maintained aquarium.
  • To trigger spawning, simulate the rainy season by lowering the water temperature slightly and performing water changes with cooler water.
  • Females will lay eggs on tank surfaces, like plants, glass, or decor, after mating.
  • After eggs are laid, it is best to remove the adults to prevent them from eating the eggs.
  • The eggs hatch in about 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be fed powdered fry food or finely crushed flakes once they start swimming.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Albino Cory Catfish are peaceful and do well with other non-aggressive species. Good tank mates include:
  • Tetras
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Mollies
  • Small peaceful cichlids (like Rams)
  • Plecos
  • Other peaceful bottom dwellers
• Avoid keeping them with aggressive or large fish that might bully or eat them.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Albino Cory Catfish can live up to 5 years or more in a home aquarium.

Health Considerations

• Common Diseases: Albino Corys are generally hardy but can be prone to common freshwater diseases like Ich, fin rot, and bacterial infections if water conditions are not properly maintained.
• Barbel Erosion: This can occur if the substrate is too rough, so always use soft sand or smooth gravel to protect their barbels.
• Prevention: Regular water changes, a balanced diet, and a clean tank help keep Albino Corys healthy.

Interesting Facts

1. Air Breathing Ability: Albino Cory Catfish, like other Corydoras species, can gulp air from the surface due to their modified intestines, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen environments.
2. Schooling Fish: These fish are much more active and less shy when kept in groups, as they naturally school in the wild.
3. Hardy Nature: They are very resilient to a wide range of water conditions, making them suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.