Corydoras Duplicareus

Corydoras duplicareus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae

📍 South America

Corydoras Duplicareus is a striking species closely resembling C. adolfoi, sharing its orange dorsal blotch and black stripe through the eye, but distinguishable by a broader black flank stripe extending further toward the tail. It originates from the upper Rio Negro system in Brazil and appreciates soft, acidic, warm blackwater conditions. A sought-after species that commands higher prices than common cory varieties.

Size2.2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Corydoras Duplicareus are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and micro worms. Feed small amounts once daily, ensuring food reaches the substrate where they forage. Supplement occasionally with blanched vegetables like zucchini to promote digestive health.

Behavior

These peaceful bottom-dwellers are highly social and must be kept in groups of at least 6 to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. They spend most of their time sifting through substrate in search of food, occasionally rising to the water column. They are nocturnal and most active during low-light periods, making them excellent community tank inhabitants.

Breeding

Breeding Corydoras Duplicareus in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require precise water conditions (soft, acidic, cool water around 24°C), seasonal temperature drops to trigger spawning, and pristine water quality. Success requires patience, experience, and ideal conditions that mimic their natural blackwater habitat.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and preference for soft acidic water make them ideal companions

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful mid-water swimmer that shares preference for soft, acidic blackwater conditions

excellent

German Blue Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid with compatible temperature and water chemistry requirements

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that shares similar water parameters; avoid very large shrimp that may compete for food

good

Panda Tetra

Small, peaceful tetra that thrives in soft, acidic water and won't compete with bottom-dwelling corydoras

excellent

Blind Cave Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish adapted to low-light conditions similar to blackwater environments

good

Common Diseases

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Deterioration or loss of barbels (whisker-like sensory organs); reduced foraging ability

Treatment

Improve water quality, increase water changes, ensure substrate is smooth and clean, and provide quality sinking foods. This condition is often caused by poor water conditions or abrasive substrates.

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily 25% water changes, and treat with aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or ich-specific medication. Maintain treatment for 10-14 days.

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed 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 condition worsens. Ensure adequate filtration and maintain pristine water parameters.

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Sores or lesions on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes

Treatment

Improve water quality through increased water changes, isolate affected fish if possible, and treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication. Maintain optimal water parameters to support immune function.