Axelrodi Corydoras

Corydoras axelrodi

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae

📍 Meta River, Colombia

Axelrodi corydoras is a small, pinkish-bodied species with a bold dark lateral stripe and dark dorsal saddle markings. It is less commonly seen in the hobby than many species but is a peaceful, undemanding corydoras suitable for community planted tanks. A lovely species for those wanting something a little different.

Size2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Axelrodi corydoras are omnivores that primarily feed on sinking foods and bottom detritus. Offer sinking pellets, sinking wafers, and frozen foods like cyclops and bloodworms 2-3 times weekly. They will also consume algae wafers and supplement their diet by scavenging the substrate for leftover food and organic matter.

Behavior

These are peaceful, social bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging along the substrate with their barbels. They are most active during dawn and dusk but remain relatively sedentary compared to some fish species. They exhibit schooling behavior and are notably less aggressive than many corydoras species, making them excellent for community tanks.

Breeding

Breeding Axelrodi corydoras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require specific water conditions, cooler temperatures around 20-22°C, and a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots. Successful breeding typically occurs only in heavily planted tanks with experienced breeders and is not recommended for beginners.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

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

excellent

Otocinclus

Compatible bottom-dweller with identical water requirements and peaceful nature

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller; prefers slightly warmer temps but range overlaps

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that shares bottom habitat; may be preyed upon if very small

good

Harlequin Rasbora

Peaceful schooling fish with compatible water parameters and community temperament

excellent

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Raise temperature to 28-29°C gradually, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt at 1 teaspoon per gallon, or treat with ich-specific medication

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or disintegrating fins, white or black edges on fins, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, reduce stocking density, treat with antibacterial medication if severe, ensure pristine substrate conditions

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging, behavioral changes

Treatment

Maintain excellent water quality and perform weekly 25% water changes, use fine sand substrate instead of sharp gravel, ensure adequate nutrition with quality sinking foods