Affectionately known as cories by aquarium enthusiasts, Corydoras catfish are active bottom-dwellers that make excellent additions to the freshwater community tank. Corydoras come in a wide range of colors and patterns, from the polka-dotted Sterbai cory (Corydoras sterbai) to the orange Venezuelan cory (Corydoras venezuelanus).
Corydoras are mild-mannered and adaptable to a wide range of environments, but they need certain things to achieve their maximum lifespan. In this guide, we’ll explore how long do Corydoras live, along with the practical steps you can take to help your Corydoras live a long and healthy life.
5 Ways to Maximize Corydoras Lifespan
First, let’s answer the big question: how long do Corydoras live? With proper care and an adequate environment, Corydoras catfish generally live between 5 and 10 years. The average lifespan depends on the species, of course, but there are several things you can do as an aquarium hobbyist to help your cories live a long and healthy life.
1. Provide a suitable tank environment.
Most Corydoras species grow to a maximum length between 1 and 3 inches long. Even the diminutive pygmy cory (Corydoras pygmaeus), however, needs plenty of swimming space. Remember that cories are schooling fish as well, so you’ll need a tank large enough to accommodate at least six of the same species.
A minimum tank volume of 20 gallons is recommended for Corydoras, but bigger tanks are always better—particularly if you plan to stock other community fish in it. Make sure the tank is equipped with an adequate filtration system to help maintain high water quality. It’s also wise to use an aquarium heater to keep the water temperature stable. After all, Corydoras are native to warm South American waters.
When it comes to decorating a Corydoras tank, natural elements like live plants, driftwood, and rocks are ideal. Choose fine substrates like sand or smooth gravel to avoid injuring your cories’ sensitive barbels as they look for food. Provide hiding places for your cories as well, so they can hide and rest during the hours they’re less active.
2. Offer a varied, nutritionally balanced diet.
Corydoras catfish generally aren’t picky eaters, so they’ll accept a wide range of commercial food options. The key is to select foods that are small or soft enough to fit in their mouths. Keep in mind that Corydoras aren’t algae eaters, so you’ll need to feed them regularly to meet their nutritional needs.
It may be best to offer your cories a staple diet of sinking pellets or wafers formulated for omnivorous bottom-dwellers like catfish. Cories will also appreciate dietary variations, so offer live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods on occasion.
3. Keep them in groups of their own kind.
In the wild, Corydoras will live in large groups—sometimes twenty or more at a time. If you can’t accommodate such a big group in your tank at home, make sure to keep at least six of the same species together. Corydoras are peaceful and mild-mannered, so there shouldn’t be any trouble with mixing different Corydoras species.
4. Carefully consider tank mates.
Corydoras get along well with the most peaceful community fish. Consider stocking your tank with other South American species like angelfish or small, non-aggressive cichlids. Avoid keeping your Corydoras with anything big enough to prey on them or fish that might outcompete them for food.
If you plan to breed your Corydoras, it may be best to keep them in a species-only tank to limit the risk the eggs and fry will be eaten. Corydoras don’t exhibit any parental care, however, so there will be some risk from the cories themselves. Consider setting up a separate breeding tank instead and transferring the adults back into the community tank after they’ve deposited their eggs.
5. Maintain high water quality and suitable parameters.
Clean water is a must if you want your Corydoras to live long, healthy lives. Gentle filtration is acceptable—such as a sponge filter—but many Corydoras prefer to have a little bit of water movement. Make sure the filtration system you choose offers plenty of biological filtration to avoid issues with ammonia buildup.
Routine water changes are important for keeping your Corydoras healthy as well. Test your tank water weekly to keep an eye on nutrient levels and make adjustments as needed. Decorating your tank with live plants will help keep dissolved oxygen levels high for your fish and may also help keep algae at bay.
Where to Buy Corydoras
Providing your Corydoras catfish with a suitable environment and adequate diet go a long way toward maximizing their lifespan. If the fish aren’t healthy to begin with, however, your efforts could be in vain. Irresponsibly bred fish may have a higher risk for genetic defects or inherited health problems that could limit their lifespan.
Take the time to choose a reputable breeder or aquarium fish dealer to buy your Corydoras from. It’s also a good idea to collect information about how the fish were kept before you buy them—especially if you’re ordering online. Keep in mind if you want to get everything in one place - Shrimpy Business has everything you’ll need!
Matching the conditions in your home tank to the one the fish were raised in can significantly reduce stress during acclimation. It’s a simple thing you can do to ensure your cories get a strong start in their new home.
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