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FishintermediateFreshwater

Armatus Corydoras

Corydoras armatus

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygii

📍 South America

Ask Finn

A moderately sized corydoras from the Amazon and Orinoco drainages, displaying a pale silvery-tan body with a prominent dark lateral stripe and spotted patterning. Like all corydoras, it is a peaceful bottom-dweller that does best in groups of 6 or more on soft, sandy substrate.

Size2.5"
Min Tank15g
School6+
peaceful
Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Armatus Corydoras are bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and high-quality corydoras-specific foods as their primary diet. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia to ensure proper nutrition and encourage natural foraging behavior. Feed small amounts that reach the substrate, as they rarely compete for food in the water column.

Behavior

These peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dwellers are most active during dawn and dusk, spending daylight hours resting among plants and substrate. They are social fish that should always be kept in groups of 6 or more, where they exhibit schooling behavior and reduced stress. Armatus Corydoras constantly sift through the substrate searching for food, which helps aerate the tank and maintain water quality.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including cooler water temperatures (72-74°F), frequent water changes, and a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots. Males will chase females during spawning, and eggs are typically laid on plant leaves or tank glass; remove eggs to a separate rearing tank to prevent predation. Success rates are moderate for experienced aquarists but rare for beginners.

Common Diseases

Barbel Erosion (Whisker Disease)

Symptoms

Deterioration or complete loss of barbels; reduced feeding and lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, ensure soft sandy substrate, and maintain proper pH (6.0-7.5); antibacterial medication may help in early stages

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Gradually raise water temperature to 79°F, perform daily water changes, and treat with ich medication; ensure adequate aeration as corydoras are sensitive to low oxygen

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Fraying or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform frequent water changes to improve water quality, remove any sharp tank decorations, and treat with antibacterial medication if infection is severe

Dropsy

Symptoms

Bloated abdomen, pinecone-like scale appearance, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform daily water changes, feed high-quality foods, and treat with antibacterial medication; prognosis is often poor

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Water it likes

ph
6.0–7.5
ammonia
0 ppm
nitrate
<20 ppm
temperature
72–79°F (22–26°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists