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False Bandit Corydoras
Corydoras melini
📍 South America
Corydoras melini, commonly known as the False Bandit Corydoras, is a small bottom-dwelling catfish native to South American rivers. This peaceful scavenger features distinctive dark markings and reaches only 1.2-1.5 inches, making it ideal for smaller aquariums. Like all corydoras, it requires a soft substrate and enjoys the company of its own kind.
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Care Guide
Diet
False Bandit 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 substrate where they forage. They will also consume leftover food from other tank inhabitants.
Behavior
These catfish are nocturnal and spend most of their time on the tank bottom searching for food, constantly sifting through the substrate. They are peaceful and social, preferring to be kept in small groups of at least 4 individuals. They rarely interact with fish in other water columns and are excellent community tank members.
Breeding
Breeding False Bandit Corydoras in captivity is challenging and rarely occurs in home aquariums. They require specific water conditions, cooler temperatures, and a well-established tank with plenty of hiding spots. Success is more common in dedicated breeding setups with experienced aquarists.
Tank Mates
Small peaceful fish that occupy upper water column, no competition
Similar size and temperament, peaceful community fish
Peaceful mid-water dweller, minimal interaction with bottom feeders
Similar size and peaceful nature, both bottom feeders with different niches
Compatible congener of similar size and temperament
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature to 79-82°F, use ich medication, perform frequent water changes, ensure good aeration
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent changes, use antibacterial medication, remove sharp decorations
Barbel Loss/Erosion
Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty feeding
Improve substrate quality (use sand instead of sharp gravel), enhance water conditions, supplement with quality food
Bacterial Infection
Sores on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform large water changes, use broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, quarantine if severe
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Quick Facts
- diet
- omnivore - sinking pellets, algae wafers, small live foods
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
- tank size
- 10 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)