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FishbeginnerFreshwater

Reticulatus Corydoras

Corydoras reticulatus

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygii

📍 South America

Ask Finn

A medium-sized corydoras from the Amazon basin in Peru, featuring a cream body overlaid with an irregular network of dark brown to black markings forming a reticulated or marbled pattern. Peaceful and social, it thrives in groups of 6+ on fine sand substrate with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water.

Size2"
Min Tank15g
School6+
peaceful
Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Reticulatus Corydoras are bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, algae wafers, and high-quality corydoras-specific foods as their primary diet. Supplement 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia to ensure proper nutrition. Feed small amounts once daily, removing uneaten food after 2-3 hours to maintain water quality.

Behavior

These peaceful catfish are highly social and spend most of their time on the substrate searching for food and sifting through sand. They are nocturnal to crepuscular, becoming most active during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours. They communicate through squeaking sounds and are best observed in groups where they exhibit natural schooling and foraging behaviors.

Breeding

Breeding in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including cooler water temperatures (68-72°F), frequent water changes, and high-quality conditioning foods. Females will lay adhesive eggs on plants, driftwood, or tank glass; eggs typically hatch in 3-5 days. Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially, making breeding moderately challenging for most hobbyists.

Common Diseases

Ich (White Spot Disease)

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 79°F, perform daily 25% water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty foraging, behavioral changes

Treatment

Ensure fine sand substrate (not gravel), improve water quality, provide quality nutrition; barbels may partially regenerate

Dropsy

Symptoms

Bloated abdomen, scales standing on end, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, provide high-quality foods; prognosis is often poor

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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)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists