Bandit Corydoras
The bandit cory is one of the many varieties of Corydoras species. The bandit cory is of the regular size for the cories, which is about 2 inches. They also have relatively the same preferences for water parameters. These little fish like neutral water, 6.5-7.5 for the pH, the water being soft and the temperature being about 71.6 - 75.2°F (22-24°C). They come from the rivers of Columbia. So they prefer a well planted tank that has lots of hiding places. Their home should be at least 10 gallons for a school of just 3 cories. These fish, if cared for properly, will live to around 3 to 5 years.
Since the bandit cory is a social little fish, they like to be in a school of at least 3 of the same species. If you want to have multiple cories in the tank, then try and have at least 3 of each species. Most species prefer the company of their own species, but if they have none of their own species, they will school with other species. These fish have such a peaceful nature, the C. metae can be put with many different fish, except larger cichlids, and any other fish that are big enough to eat the cory.
C. metae are omnivorous little fish, so they eat any and all excess food that the main tank fish miss and don't even notice. But they should be supplemented with algae wafers and sinking Shrimp Pellets.
These bandit cories are hard to spawn in the home aquarium, but if you are able to spawn them, it is very rewarding, because these fish usually go for about $6 to $8 a piece in the local stores, and some stores have them at an even higher price.
These catfish can be easily mistaken with the C. oiapoquensis. But if you know the differences, then you are doing great.
Bandit Cory Catfish Care
Scientific Name : Corydoras metae
Common Names : Bandit Cory
Care Level : Easy
Size : 2 inches (5cm)
pH : 6.5 - 7.5
Temperature : 72°F - 75°F (22°C - 24°C)
Water Hardness : Soft
Lifespan : 3 - 5 years
Origin / Habitat : Columbia, South America
Temperament / Behavior : Peaceful and likes to be in groups
Breeding : Breeding the bandit cory can be difficult in the home aquarium.
Aquarium Size : 10 gallon or larger.
Tank Mates : Anything that will not eat them or harass them too much.
Fish Disease : Freshwater Fish Disease - Diagnose, Symptoms and Treatment
Diet / Fish Food : Bottom feeder, they scavenge the food off the bottom of the tank. Supplement their diet with algae wafers and sinking Shrimp Pellets fed at night.
Tank Region : Lower-bottom of the tank with the odd time of spawning surfaces being along the glass of the tank.
Gender : Females are larger and rounder than the males of the same age.
Gallery Photos : Corydoras Photos
Similar Species : Catfish, very similar to C. oiapoquensis
Photo Credit : Photos copyright JJPhoto.dk
References
- https://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/species.php?species_id=24
- Corydoras Catfish
- Aquarium Atlas #1 by Dr. Rudiger Riehl and Hans A. Baensch
Fish Lore Forum : Corydoras Posts
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