Bandit Corydoras

Corydoras metae

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae

📍 South America

The bandit corydoras is named for its distinctive black mask across the eyes and a black patch at the dorsal fin base, giving it a masked outlaw appearance. It is a peaceful, active species that thrives in soft, slightly acidic water.

Size2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Bandit corydoras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and algae wafers. Feed small amounts once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Supplement with blanched vegetables like zucchini occasionally to ensure balanced nutrition.

Behavior

These peaceful, active bottom-dwellers spend most of their time foraging along the substrate, stirring and sifting through gravel in search of food. They are highly social and must be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. They are nocturnal and most active during dawn and dusk hours.

Breeding

Breeding bandit corydoras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific water conditions (soft, slightly acidic water with temperatures around 24-26°C) and seasonal temperature fluctuations to trigger spawning. Success requires patience, ideal conditions, and experienced aquarists.

Tank Mates

Neon Tetra

Similar water parameter requirements and peaceful temperament; occupy different water zones

excellent

Rummy Nose Tetra

Prefer soft, acidic water and peaceful community settings; compatible schooling behavior

excellent

Otocinclus

Both bottom-dwellers with similar water needs; peaceful and non-competitive for food

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Thrive in soft water; minimal competition; corydoras may occasionally eat shrimplets

good

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful mid-water dweller; prefers similar soft, slightly acidic conditions

good

Bolivian Ram

Peaceful bottom-dweller with overlapping water requirements; generally non-aggressive

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Increase water temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Deterioration or loss of barbels (whisker-like sensory organs), difficulty foraging

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, ensure substrate is fine sand or smooth gravel (avoid sharp materials), provide quality sinking foods, use vitamin-enriched foods

Fin Rot

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Perform 25-30% water changes every 2-3 days, maintain pristine water conditions with ammonia at 0 ppm, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure adequate filtration

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

Whitish film on body, mouth rot, rapid gill movement, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, increase aeration, perform daily 50% water changes, treat with antibacterial medication; maintain water temperature at 24-26°C and ensure excellent water quality