Nattereri Corydoras

Corydoras nattereri

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 South America

A medium-sized corydoras from the São Francisco River basin in Brazil, displaying a pale blue-grey body with a broad dark lateral stripe and subtle spotting. Peaceful and social, it does best in groups of 6+ on soft sandy substrate and is well-suited to cool to moderate temperatures typical of its native subtropical range.

Size2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Nattereri Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders that thrive on sinking pellets, algae wafers, and high-quality flake foods as staples. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia to promote natural foraging behavior and maintain optimal nutrition. Feed small amounts once daily, removing uneaten food after 2-3 hours to maintain water quality.

Behavior

These peaceful, social catfish are most active during dawn and dusk, spending much of their time sifting through substrate in search of food. They are highly gregarious and become stressed when kept alone; groups of 6+ display natural schooling behavior and reduced anxiety. They rarely interact aggressively with other species and are excellent community fish, though they may uproot plants while foraging.

Breeding

Breeding Nattereri Corydoras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquaria. Successful breeding requires pristine water conditions, cooler temperatures (around 68-70°F), and a well-established group with proper sex ratios; females are noticeably larger and rounder than males. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, making large-scale breeding impractical for most hobbyists.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and bottom-dwelling habits make them ideal companions with minimal competition

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful mid-water swimmers that occupy different zones and share similar water parameter preferences

excellent

Bolivian Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid that prefers warmer water; may occasionally compete for bottom space but generally compatible

good

Rummy Nose Tetra

Schooling fish that occupy mid-water column and share peaceful temperament and similar temperature requirements

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp species that won't be predated upon; excellent algae control and peaceful coexistence with corydoras

good

Anubias Barteri

Hardy plant that won't be uprooted by foraging corydoras; provides shelter and natural aesthetics

excellent

Common Diseases

Barbel Erosion (Whisker Disease)

Symptoms

Deterioration or complete loss of barbels; reduced feeding activity; difficulty locating food

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately, perform frequent water changes, and ensure pristine substrate conditions. Provide quality sinking foods and consider antibiotic treatment if secondary bacterial infection occurs

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins; scratching against substrate; labored breathing; lethargy

Treatment

Gradually raise water temperature to 82-86°F over 48 hours, maintain for 10-14 days, then slowly return to normal. Use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; perform daily water changes

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Fraying or deterioration of fin edges; discoloration at fin bases; reduced activity

Treatment

Perform immediate 50% water change and improve water quality; treat with antibacterial medication or salt baths. Ensure adequate filtration and remove any sharp decorations that may cause injury

Columnaris (Flexibacter columnaris)

Symptoms

Whitish coating on body or mouth; rapid gill movement; loss of appetite; sudden death

Treatment

Isolate affected fish immediately; treat with antibacterial medication designed for columnaris. Maintain pristine water conditions and increase aeration; this disease progresses rapidly and requires immediate intervention