No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Loreto Corydoras
Corydoras loretoensis
📍 South America
Loreto Corydoras is a small, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish native to Peru that makes an excellent addition to community aquariums. These armored catfish are known for their gentle temperament and constant foraging behavior along the substrate. They are hardy, easy to care for, and thrive in groups, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced aquarists.
Community Photos
0 photosPhotos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.
No photos yet — add a tank with Loreto Corydoras to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
Care Guide
Diet
Loreto Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed small amounts once or twice daily, ensuring food reaches the substrate where they forage. They will also consume leftover food and algae, helping to keep the tank clean.
Behavior
These small catfish are nocturnal and most active during evening and night hours, though they will forage throughout the day. They spend most of their time on the substrate, using their barbels to search for food and occasionally stirring up the substrate. Loreto Corydoras are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 4-6 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.
Breeding
Breeding Loreto Corydoras in captivity is possible but challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require cooler water temperatures (around 68-70°F), slightly acidic conditions, and plenty of hiding spaces with fine substrate. Successful breeding typically involves conditioning pairs with high-quality foods and performing water changes to simulate seasonal rainfall.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful fish that occupy upper water column and do not compete for bottom space
Similar size and temperament, can be housed together in the same group
Peaceful mid-water dweller that does not interfere with bottom feeders
Small algae eater with similar peaceful nature and bottom-dwelling habits
Tiny peaceful fish that occupy upper water column without competing for food
Peaceful invertebrate that shares bottom space and helps with algae control
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Increase water temperature to 82-86°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication following product instructions, ensure good water quality
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Perform 25-50% water changes daily, improve water quality, use antibacterial medication if severe, remove any sharp decorations that may cause injury
Barbel Erosion
Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging, behavioral changes
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, provide soft substrate (sand preferred over gravel), ensure adequate nutrition with varied diet, avoid rough substrates
Dropsy
Bloated appearance, scales standing out, lethargy, loss of appetite
Isolate affected fish in hospital tank, perform frequent water changes, feed high-quality foods, use antibacterial medication, maintain optimal water parameters
Tips from the community 💡
0 tipsReal experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.
Sign in to share your experience.
No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!
Quick Facts
- diet
- omnivore - sinking pellets, algae wafers, and live/frozen foods
- lifespan
- 3-5 years
- max size
- 3 cm (1.2 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)