Ambiacus Corydoras

Corydoras ambiacus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 South America

A small, spotted corydoras from the upper Amazon basin, featuring a cream body overlaid with dark brown spots that extend across the fins. Peaceful and social, it should be kept in groups of 6+ on fine sand substrate with good water flow and well-oxygenated water.

Size2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Ambiacus Corydoras are bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed small amounts once daily, providing enough food that is consumed within 2-3 minutes. Supplement with vegetable matter occasionally, as they benefit from a varied diet including blanched zucchini or cucumber.

Behavior

These peaceful, nocturnal catfish are most active during dawn and dusk, spending much of their time sifting through the substrate for food. They are highly social and should never be kept alone; groups of 6+ exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduced stress. They are compatible with other bottom dwellers and rarely show aggression toward any tankmates.

Breeding

Breeding Ambiacus Corydoras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Successful breeding requires pristine water conditions, cooler temperatures (around 72°F), and a well-established group with a good male-to-female ratio. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first weeks.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; occupy mid-water column

excellent

Cardinal Tetra

Comparable size and water requirements; non-aggressive schooling fish

excellent

Otocinclus

Fellow bottom dweller with identical water needs and peaceful behavior

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Occupy similar niche; ensure adequate hiding spots to prevent predation of shrimplets

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller with overlapping temperature range; monitor for territorial behavior

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Peaceful schooler with matching water parameters and non-aggressive nature

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against substrate

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 79°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich medication; treat for 10-14 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove any sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good water flow and oxygenation

Barbel Loss

Symptoms

Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty feeding

Treatment

Often caused by poor substrate or water quality; switch to fine sand, maintain pristine conditions, ensure adequate nutrition; barbels may regenerate over time