belleekgirl

Hi,
I am new to the freshwater community tank experience and need some info.
I was at at the LFS today and got 5 rasboras, so my next purchase will be some cory catfish. I spent some time looking at them and had some questions.
I am thinking of getting the Peppered Cory Catfish, but I noticed some of them had really dark looking spots and some had lighter looking spots. Is this a sign of sickness or just the variety of "color" they come in (kinda like blonds vs brunets)? Also, some were zipping around and some were just hanging there, is that normal behavior?
Any help will be welcome. I want to learn as much as I can before I get these guys. Thanks

Beeker

Hi bellekgirl,
Welcome to Fish Lore!

I see you know about the cycle but your tank is only 15 days old. Is that 15 days since your tank finished cycling? I ask because Cories are very sensitive to ammonia. They will die quickly in an uncycled tank.

Yes, they have a large variety of different colors, but with light spots, I could only tell you if I saw them.
And, Yes again. They have very interesting personalities. Some are very active, others can be just the opposite. I had mentioned in one of my threads that my Cories liked to play possum. If I did anything to work a little in the tank, such as pruning my plants, they would freeze, and just wait. Sometimes it would only be until they saw that I wouldn't bother them, other times it was until I stopped and walked away. They would even start to let the force of the water push them onto their sides sometimes. When I mentioned that, somebody else posted that they have Cory cats that behave just the opposite. They are bold and curious, coming right up to her hand when she is working in the tank.
When buying, I would say, pick the healthiest looking fish you can find. Don't pick one you feel sorry for. It doesn't usually end well. I pick the active ones, and then watch their personalities develope as they get comfortable to their new home.

belleekgirl

Thanks for the welcome and the info.
When I signed up for the forum I put 15 days as from when I first added fish. I should update that info . My tank did cycle and everything checked out before I added fish. I even had the LFS double check for me. I read the cycle information on this web page and followed it. I used the bacteria starter that was recommended. I am glad you told me about the ammonia sensitivity, I will double check my levels before I get any. I have had the LFS check my water anytime I have added fish and will ask them to again.
I will defiantly pick ones that look active and healthy (but what are the signs of health?). I just wondered about the color as a sign of sickness or not. There were several in the tank that were "darker" and several that were "lighter" in the spot coloration some looked almost black and others grey.... and of course they had the albinos. The active ones were all the different shades I saw.
Another question I though of- if nobody minds all the questions: Will any of my other fish bug the catfish? I have Guppies, Neons, & Rasboras? So far everyone is getting along.
Thanks

Beeker

Cories should be fine with those tankmates.

The different colors are just that, some darker and some lighter. Some will become darker when you get them home because they are less stressed. You can usually see when they look sickly. They will look pale and their eyes will look less vibrant. I guess the best way to say it is if they look like their spots are kind of fading into the rest of their lighter color, or looking "milky" that would be a sign of poor health.

Ghostfish

It is very likely their colors will change once you bring them anyway. Usually the colors become much more pronounced/brilliant when you get them in a good tank. Cories are fun fish to watch. Most fish leave the cories alone. Sometimes other bottom dwellers can harass them such as certain types of plecos. I have 2 groups of cories and 2 plecos in my tank, but do not have any issues with them.