Weitzmani Corydoras

Corydoras weitzmani

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Callichthyidae

📍 Madre de Dios River basin, Peru

Also known as the two saddle corydoras, C. weitzmani has two prominent dark saddle markings across the upper body plus a dark band through the eye. Males develop a striking elongated dorsal fin ray. A rewarding species for the dedicated corydoras keeper who can provide soft, cool water conditions.

Size2"

Min Tank15g

School6+

peaceful

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Weitzmani corydoras are omnivores that require a varied diet of sinking foods. Offer high-quality sinking pellets as a staple, supplemented 2-3 times weekly with frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. They will also scavenge algae wafers and benefit from occasional vegetable matter like blanched zucchini.

Behavior

This species is a peaceful, social bottom-dweller that must be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals to display natural schooling behavior and reduce stress. They are most active during dawn and dusk, spending much of their time sifting through substrate in search of food. Males develop an elongated dorsal fin ray as a secondary sexual characteristic, particularly visible during breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding Weitzmani corydoras in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They require cool water temperatures (18-20°C), soft acidic conditions, and seasonal temperature fluctuations to trigger spawning. Success depends on maintaining pristine water quality and providing plenty of fine-leaved plants or spawning mops where eggs can be deposited.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

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

excellent

Penguin Tetra

Compatible water parameters and peaceful schooling behavior; occupy different tank zones

good

Panda Tetra

Small, peaceful tetra with similar cool water preferences and non-aggressive nature

good

Bolivian Ram

Peaceful dwarf cichlid but may occasionally compete for bottom space; monitor interactions

caution

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small invertebrates that share preference for soft water and won't compete with corydoras

good

Anubias Nana

Hardy plant that won't be uprooted by corydoras foraging and provides shelter and shade

excellent

Common Diseases

Barbel Erosion

Symptoms

Deterioration or loss of barbels; reduced feeding activity; visible damage to mouth area

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately, perform frequent partial water changes, ensure substrate is fine sand rather than sharp gravel, and provide quality sinking foods

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against substrate, lethargy

Treatment

Raise temperature gradually to 28°C, perform daily 25% water changes, use ich medication as directed, and ensure excellent aeration

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform large water changes to improve water quality, reduce tank bioload, treat with antibacterial medication if severe, and ensure proper filtration