Corydoras Transport (toxin)

I recently learned that Corydoras will sometimes release a toxin when they feel in danger, and end up self-poisoning and often killing themselves within a few minutes. I'm about to purchase four more Emerald Corys from the pet store and can't help but be concerned. Seems like it would be best to have them bag each Cory individually with as much water possible. Does this sound like a good idea? Any other precautions to take during transport to avoid this? E.g. place the clear bags inside a paper bag to keep the light levels down?

 

It’ll be fine. I’ve never had trouble transporting cories, as long as it isn’t too long of a ride back home.

 

It’ll be fine. I’ve never had trouble transporting cories, as long as it isn’t too long of a ride back home.

Exactly! Never had any cories die on me. Had 12 cories sit in a bag for 8 hours and nothing happened (keep in mind it was at a fish auction)

 

It's only a 10 minute drive, but apparently the toxin can kill them within minutes. I'm sure they will be fine. Bagging them together may keep the stress levels down come to think of it.

What does a fish auction have anything to do with it?

I've also heard that wild-caught Corys may be more likely to release a toxin than those raised in captivity. Makes sense.

 

What does a fish auction have anything to do with it?

My 12 cories stayed in the bag for 8 hours from an auction. That's what.

 

I have not heard of this. I got 4 emerald Cory catfish a week ago. I did not have any issues. I got them in the same bag, all together. I always bring a big black or brown towel to drape over the fish bag.

If you are worried, you definitely can/should ask for them in separate bags. Even 2 in one bag and 2 in the other.

I wouldn’t be super concerned. Though it is always good to be prepared. What size tank are you putting them in?

 

I think I'll bag two together in two separate bags, then place them in a paper grocery bag just to play it safe.

20 long.

Actually, I was thinking of getting three more for a total of five (I already have two)

 

Hmmmm... I ordered cories in the mail yesterday :/

 

Hmmmm... I ordered cories in the mail yesterday :/

Yeah, I imagine if places are shipping them it can't be too big of a problem.

 

I ordered my sterbaI corys online and they came via FedEx with no issues at all.

 

Its one of those things that yes its possible but is statically not a high enough rate of an occurrence to be really concerned about. Bagging them in a larger bag or at lower numbers and placing a towel over the bags during the ride home would also make the event less likely to happen.

 

I hadn't heard of this either so I just looked it up. I have 10 Valenzuelan Cories that I bought first 6, then 2, then 2 since April. No issues. However, I had an uncle that lived till 92 and he smoked Lucky Strike no filters his whole life. I'm sure there's lots that didn't make it a long time and to them they smoked Not So Lucky Strikes. My point is if the toxin defense mechanism is real, I think I'll not tempt fate in the future. Here's what I found:

 

I ordered my sterbaI corys online and they came via FedEx with no issues at all.

SterbaI is one of the species known for this though ! But I'd say only in extreme stressy situations. In a big bag with a sufficient amount of space / water I'd dare to take the chance.

 

SterbaI is one of the species known for this though ! But I'd say only in extreme stressy situations. In a big bag with a sufficient amount of space / water I'd dare to take the chance.

Yeah I’ve read that about sterbais. I agree, it must take a lot of stress to set them off.

 

Often transported Corys and never had an issue (mostly in buckets btw)

 

On the topic of Corydoras, according to LiveAquria.com, they prefer a water hardness (KH) of between 8 and 10 degrees. However, my tank is around 3 to 4 degrees. All the other tank inhabitants like between 4 and 8, and 4 and 10, so they are fine. Is this reason for concern?

 

wouldn't worry about that.