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Hastatus Corydoras
Corydoras hastatus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
📍 South America
One of the three true "dwarf" corydoras species, reaching only about 1.2 inches, with a distinctive black spot at the base of the caudal fin on a translucent pale body. Unlike most corydoras, it often swims in the mid-water column rather than staying on the bottom, and must be kept in large groups of 10+ in a nano or planted tank.
Care Guide
Diet
Hastatus corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders that require sinking pellets, micro pellets, and high-quality flake foods as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp to maintain nutrition and encourage natural foraging behavior. Feed small amounts once daily, only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Unlike most corydoras, hastatus are active mid-water swimmers that rarely stay on the substrate, making them unique in the genus. They are highly social and must be kept in groups of 10 or more to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. They are peaceful, nocturnal, and most active during dawn and dusk hours.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is extremely difficult and rarely documented in home aquariums. They require pristine water conditions, cooler temperatures (around 72°F), and dense vegetation or spawning mops to trigger breeding behavior. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught, making captive breeding a significant challenge even for experienced aquarists.
Tank Mates
Similar size, peaceful temperament, and preference for planted tanks make them ideal companions
Non-competitive, occupy different water zones, and share similar water parameter requirements
Both are small, peaceful bottom dwellers that won't compete for food or space in larger groups
Peaceful temperament and preference for planted tanks align well with hastatus needs
Provides essential cover and security for this schooling species while creating natural habitat
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid gill movement, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 79°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich-specific medication if needed; ensure excellent water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform immediate 50% water change, improve water quality, treat with antibacterial medication; ensure pristine conditions to prevent recurrence
Stress-Related Illness
Loss of color, hiding, reduced appetite, erratic swimming, susceptibility to secondary infections
Increase group size to minimum 10, add dense vegetation for cover, maintain stable water parameters, reduce tank disturbances
Barbel Erosion
Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging
Improve substrate quality (use sand), enhance diet with sinking foods, maintain excellent water conditions; prevent by avoiding coarse substrates
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Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)