No photo yet
Sign in to submit the first photo
Nijssen's Corydoras
Corydoras nijsseni
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae
📍 Ampiyacu River, Peru
Nijssen's corydoras, sometimes called the panda cory's wilder cousin, has a bold pattern of large dark patches on a pale pink-white body with a distinctive black band through the eye. It is a stunning and sought-after species that requires soft, acidic water and a pristine, densely planted aquarium.
Care Guide
Diet
Nijssen's corydoras are omnivores that require a varied diet of sinking foods. Offer high-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small live foods once daily in small portions. Supplement with blanched vegetables like zucchini occasionally to ensure balanced nutrition.
Behavior
This species is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling scavenger that spends most of its time foraging through substrate and plants. They are highly social and must be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. They are most active during dawn and dusk, remaining relatively inactive during bright daylight hours.
Breeding
Breeding Nijssen's corydoras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. Successful breeding requires pristine water conditions, soft acidic water (pH 5.5-6.5), cooler temperatures around 22°C, and dense vegetation for egg-laying sites. Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food for the first weeks.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameter requirements and peaceful temperament; occupy different water zones
Prefer soft, acidic water and peaceful community settings; compatible size and behavior
Algae-eating bottom dweller with identical water requirements and peaceful nature
Thrive in soft, acidic water; may be preyed upon if corydoras are very hungry, but generally compatible
Peaceful mid-water dweller that appreciates similar soft, slightly acidic conditions
Nocturnal bottom dweller with minimal competition; prefers slightly acidic water
Common Diseases
Barbel Erosion
Deterioration or loss of barbels around the mouth; reduced foraging ability
Improve water quality immediately, perform frequent water changes, ensure pristine substrate free of sharp materials, and provide high-quality varied diet
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, scratching against objects, rapid breathing
Gradually raise temperature to 28-29°C, increase aeration, perform daily water changes, and use ich-specific medication if severe; avoid copper-based treatments
Fin Rot
Fraying or deterioration of fin edges, discoloration at fin bases
Perform large water changes to improve water quality, maintain pristine conditions, remove any sharp tank decorations, and use antibacterial medication if infection spreads
Stress-Related Illness
Loss of appetite, hiding, pale coloration, lethargy, susceptibility to secondary infections
Ensure group of at least 6 individuals, provide dense vegetation and hiding spots, maintain stable water parameters, and minimize tank disturbances
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 Nijssen's Corydoras to be the first!
Sign in to vote.
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 – varied sinking foods
- schooling
- 6+ recommended
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- temperament
- Peaceful schooling bottom dweller
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.0
- hardness
- 1–8 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)