Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Cory

Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus (Albino Hi-Fin variant)
• Common Names: Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Cory, Albino Hi-Fin Corydoras, Albino Hi-Fin Cory Catfish
• Family: Callichthyidae
• Origin: South America, commonly found in slow-moving waters such as rivers, streams, and floodplains. The albino and hi-fin variants are the result of selective breeding in captivity.

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys typically grow to around 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm).
• Coloration: As an albino variant, these fish exhibit a pale, creamy white or pinkish body with red or pink eyes due to the lack of pigmentation.
• Fins: The distinguishing feature is their elongated dorsal fin, giving them the "hi-fin" appearance, which makes them stand out from the standard Albino Bronze Cory.
• Body Shape: Like other Corydoras species, they have a rounded body with a flat underside, armored with bony plates, and barbels near the mouth for foraging.

Behavior

• Temperament: Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys are peaceful, social, and active fish, perfect for community tanks with other non-aggressive species.
• Sociability: They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5 or more for their well-being. In groups, they are more confident and active.
• Activity: These Corydoras are bottom-dwellers and spend much of their time foraging along the substrate. They are also known for occasionally swimming to the surface to gulp air.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a group of Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Water Hardness: 2 to 12 dGH
• Substrate: Soft, sand or fine gravel substrate is ideal to protect their sensitive barbels.
• Tank Setup:
  • Provide plenty of hiding places like caves, driftwood, and plants.
  • Open spaces for foraging should be maintained, as they are bottom-dwellers that enjoy sifting through the substrate for food.
  • Use gentle filtration to mimic their natural habitat of slow-moving waters.

Diet

• Feeding: Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys are omnivores and require a varied diet.
  • Primary food can include sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom feeders.
  • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
  • They also feed on leftover food that sinks to the bottom and will nibble on algae, though they are not primary algae eaters.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them once or twice daily, ensuring that food reaches the bottom where they can access it.

Breeding

• Breeding Behavior: Like other Corydoras, Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys are relatively easy to breed in home aquariums.
  • Breeding Conditions: Spawning can be induced by lowering the water temperature slightly and increasing water changes to simulate rainy season conditions.
  • Females will lay eggs on surfaces such as glass, plants, or decor, and after spawning, the eggs should be protected from adult fish as they may eat them.
  • The eggs typically hatch in 3 to 5 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or other small foods until they grow large enough for regular fish food.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys are highly social and peaceful, making them compatible with a wide variety of other peaceful species.
  • Good tank mates include:
    • Tetras
    • Rasboras
    • Livebearers like Guppies, Mollies, and Platies
    • Dwarf Cichlids (e.g., Rams)
    • Other bottom dwellers such as Plecos and Otocinclus
  • Avoid keeping them with large, aggressive fish that may harass or outcompete them for food.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys can live up to 5 years or more with proper care, though some have been known to live longer in well-maintained aquariums.

Health Considerations

• Common Health Issues: Like all Corydoras species, Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys are susceptible to:
  • Barbel injuries from rough or sharp substrate, which can lead to infections.
  • Ich, fin rot, and other bacterial infections if water quality is not maintained.
• Prevention: Keep water conditions clean, and provide a safe substrate to prevent injury to their barbels. Regular water changes and a varied diet will keep them healthy.

Interesting Facts

1. Hi-Fin Feature: The hi-fin variety is not found in the wild; it is a result of selective breeding for the aquarium trade, making them a more ornamental version of the typical Bronze Cory.
2. Air Gulpers: Like other Corydoras, Albino Hi-Fin Bronze Corys have the ability to gulp air from the surface, thanks to their modified intestines, which act like a primitive lung.
3. Armored Fish: Their bodies are covered in tough, bony plates that provide them with protection from potential predators in the wild.