Sychri Corydoras

Corydoras sychri

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 South America

A slender, small corydoras from the Napo River system in Peru and Ecuador, featuring a pale body with a dark lateral stripe and distinctive dark markings around the eye that extend toward the snout. It prefers soft, acidic water and should be kept in groups of 6+ on fine sandy substrate with low to moderate flow.

Size2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Sychri Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume sinking pellets, high-quality flake food, and frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. Feed small amounts once daily, ensuring food reaches the substrate where they forage. Supplement with vegetable matter occasionally, such as blanched zucchini or algae wafers.

Behavior

These are peaceful, social catfish that spend most of their time on the substrate sifting through sand and debris for food. They are nocturnal to crepuscular and become more active during low-light periods. They communicate through squeaking sounds and should always be kept in groups of 6 or more to exhibit natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Breeding

Breeding Sychri Corydoras in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. They require specific water conditions including soft, acidic water (pH 6.0-6.5) and cooler temperatures around 72°F to trigger spawning. Success requires patience, pristine water quality, and careful observation of courtship behavior.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Similar size, peaceful temperament, and preference for soft acidic water make them ideal companions

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful mid-water swimmers that won't compete for bottom space or disturb the substrate

excellent

Panda Tetra

Peaceful schooling fish with compatible water parameter requirements

good

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small invertebrates that occupy similar ecological niches without aggression toward corydoras

good

Bolivian Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid but may occasionally harass smaller corydoras; monitor behavior closely

caution

Common Diseases

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Deterioration or loss of barbels around the mouth; reduced feeding activity

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately, perform frequent water changes, and ensure fine sandy substrate. Avoid sharp gravel that damages barbels. Add stress-reducing plants and hiding spots.

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, scratching against substrate

Treatment

Raise water temperature gradually to 79°F, perform daily water changes, and treat with ich medication. Ensure adequate aeration and maintain pristine water conditions.

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges

Treatment

Perform large water changes to improve water quality, remove any sharp decorations, and treat with antibacterial medication if severe. Maintain optimal water parameters.

Stress-Related Illness

Symptoms

Loss of appetite, lethargy, faded coloration, hiding behavior

Treatment

Ensure group size of at least 6 individuals, provide fine sandy substrate, reduce tank disturbances, and maintain stable water parameters within the preferred range.