Corydoras AppearanceĬorydoras is actually an entire genus (group) of catfish. A few species, such as the Pygmy Corydoras ( Corydoras pygmaeus) will also swim in the mid-water regions like tetras and other schooling fish! But these are the exception as a rule cories prefer the lower region of the tank. Most Cory Catfish are very active along the bottom. They feel as if their school has gone missing and is hiding due to a predator lurking. In fact, keeping them alone tends to stress them out. These catfish thrive in groups of 4 or more fish. One thing that makes Corydoras different from other catfish is their sociable nature. The term is Greek, with kory meaning helmet and doras meaning skin. So be mindful of this second layer of defense!Įven the name “corydoras” is a nod to the warrior-like appearance of these cute little catfish.

It can also poke a hole in your bag of water when taking a new pet cory fish home. This spine can get tangled up in a net when catching a catfish. In many species of catfish this spine can be mildly to severely venomous.Īs far as we know, corydoras catfish spines are not venomous, just painful. This “armor” is protection against the many predators found in their Amazon River home.Ĭories also have a “sword” to go along with their armor both of their pectoral fins and their dorsal fin are reinforced by a sharp spine. Take a closer look at one and you will see the row of interlocking hard scales that run along the sides of the fish. Corydoras are a species of armored catfish.

Are cory cats nocturnal