Flagtail Corydoras

Corydoras robineae

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae

📍 Rio Negro, Brazil

The flagtail corydoras is one of the most striking species in the genus, with a spectacular tiger-striped caudal fin that resembles a waving flag. The body is pale with a single dark stripe through the eye. A prized species among corydoras enthusiasts, it prefers soft, acidic blackwater conditions matching its Rio Negro origin.

Size2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Flagtail corydoras are omnivores that require a varied diet of sinking foods. Offer high-quality sinking pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also scavenge algae wafers and vegetable matter, helping to clean the substrate while feeding.

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 inactive during bright daylight. They are highly gregarious and become stressed when kept alone, displaying more natural behavior and reduced anxiety in groups of 6 or more.

Breeding

Breeding flagtail corydoras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require very soft, acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5, 1–4 dGH), cooler temperatures around 23°C, and pristine water conditions with frequent water changes to trigger spawning. Even when conditions are met, fry are challenging to raise and require infusoria and microscopic foods.

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 dweller that thrives in the same soft, acidic blackwater conditions

excellent

Cardinal Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish that prefers soft acidic water and won't compete for bottom space

excellent

Bolivian Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid that tolerates soft water; may occasionally investigate corydoras but generally compatible

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrate that shares the same soft water preference; corydoras may occasionally eat shrimplets

good

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal bottom-dweller that avoids direct competition; both are peaceful and benefit from similar water conditions

good

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28–29°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt (1 tsp per 5 gallons) or ich-specific medication; maintain excellent water quality

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Perform 50% water change immediately, improve water quality and aeration, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure pristine conditions as this species is sensitive to poor water quality

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging, behavioral changes

Treatment

Improve substrate quality (use fine sand instead of sharp gravel), enhance water quality with frequent changes, ensure adequate nutrition; barbels may regenerate if caught early

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Sores or lesions on body, cloudy eyes, fin damage, loss of appetite, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 50% water change, treat with broad-spectrum antibacterial medication, maintain pristine water conditions; isolate severely affected individuals if possible