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FisheasyFreshwater

Burgess's Corydoras

Corydoras burgessi

📍 South America

Burgess's Corydoras is a small, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish native to South American rivers. This species is ideal for community tanks and is known for its gentle temperament and useful scavenging behavior. They are social fish that thrive best in groups and add activity and interest to the lower water column.

Size1.5"
Min Tank20g
School4+
peaceful
Zonebottom

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Care Guide

Diet

Burgess's Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and small live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed small amounts once daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom where they forage. They will also consume leftover food and algae, contributing to tank cleanliness.

Behavior

These corydoras are active bottom dwellers that spend most of their time searching for food along the substrate. They are social fish that should be kept in groups of at least 4 individuals, displaying schooling behavior and reduced stress. They are nocturnal to crepuscular, becoming more active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours.

Breeding

Breeding Burgess's Corydoras in captivity is moderately difficult and requires specific conditions including cooler water temperatures and high-quality diet. Males will chase females in a characteristic T-position spawning behavior, and eggs are typically laid on hard surfaces. Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Increase water temperature to 79-82°F, use ich medication, perform frequent water changes, ensure good aeration

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, fin loss

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, use antibacterial medication, ensure clean substrate to prevent barbel infection

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging, redness around mouth area

Treatment

Use fine sand substrate instead of gravel, improve water quality, provide quality diet, treat with antibacterial medication if infected

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

White or grayish film on body, mouth rot, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Increase water temperature slightly, perform large water changes, use antibacterial medication, isolate affected fish if possible

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Quick Facts

diet
omnivore - sinking pellets, algae wafers, small live foods
lifespan
3-5 years
max size
4 cm (1.5 in)
tank size
20 gallons minimum
temperament
peaceful

Water it likes

ph
6.0-7.0
ammonia
0 ppm
nitrate
<20 ppm
hardness
2-12 dGH
temperature
72–79°F (22–26°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists