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Skunk Corydoras
Corydoras arcuatus
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae
📍 South America
The skunk corydoras has a distinctive arched black stripe running from snout to tail over a pale body, resembling a skunk's marking. It is a peaceful, active bottom-dweller that does well in soft, slightly acidic water with fine sand substrate.
Care Guide
Diet
Skunk corydoras are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and daphnia. Feed small amounts once daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom where they forage. Supplement with algae wafers and blanched vegetables occasionally to provide balanced nutrition.
Behavior
These peaceful, active bottom-dwellers spend most of their time sifting through substrate in search of food, aerating the sand in the process. They are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. They are nocturnal and most active during dawn and dusk hours.
Breeding
Breeding skunk corydoras in captivity is possible but requires patience and specific conditions including cooler water temperatures (20-22°C) and frequent water changes to trigger spawning. Males will chase females, and eggs are typically laid on plants or tank glass; remove parents after spawning as they may eat eggs. Fry are small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially.
Tank Mates
Similar water parameters and peaceful temperament; occupy different water zones
Compatible bottom-dwellers with identical soft, acidic water requirements
Peaceful mid-water dweller; prefers slightly warmer temps but overlap is acceptable
Peaceful invertebrate that shares bottom habitat; may predate on very young shrimp
Schooling fish with compatible water needs and peaceful demeanor
Peaceful detritivore that shares bottom zone without competing for food
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against substrate
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C, perform daily water changes, use ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent changes, remove decaying food, use antibacterial medication if severe
Barbel Loss/Erosion
Shortened or missing barbels, difficulty locating food
Ensure fine sand substrate (not gravel), maintain excellent water quality, provide varied diet with quality sinking foods
Bacterial Infection
Sores on body, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform large water changes, maintain pristine tank conditions, use broad-spectrum antibiotic if needed
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore – sinking pellets, bloodworms, daphnia, wafers
- lifespan
- 5–8 years
- max size
- 5 cm (2 in)
- tank size
- 15 gallons minimum
- school size
- 6+
- temperament
- Peaceful, schooling
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.0
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 1–10 dGH
- temperature
- 72–79°F (22–26°C)