Catfish-Corydoras Green Small

Green Corydoras (Cory) Catfish are peaceful, easy to care for and often, one of the first fish that an aquarist will get.  A great fish for beginners because it’s not too concerned with water conditions, and they will require a minimum of 75 litres to swim in and neutral pH.  Adults can reach a length of 9 cm.

Also known as the Green Catfish or Emerald Brochis, the Green Cory Cat comes from the regions of South America in the Amazon River basin. It inhabits waters with high vegetation and neutral pH.

Behaviour

Often found in shoals in large community tanks, they are beautiful additions that bring personality to the lower levels of the tank. Many experts recommend keeping Green Corys in packs of 10 or more.

They are bottom-dwelling and like to hide or rest during the day, but in the evening will shoal with other fish.  You will only see them leave the bottom of the tank when they dart to the surface in order to get some air.  An adapted intestinal lining means that they can take in oxygen from the atmosphere.

Tank Conditions

They are fine in brighter lighting conditions.

They require soft sediments, preferably sand, however, small and rounded gravel can also be used for the substrate. If the gravel is sharp, then it can lead to cuts and infections.

Though many assume that because of their location a fast flow is required, they much prefer slower streams and inlets where they are sheltered from fast-moving water.  A planted aquarium will break the water flow too, as well as oxygenating the water and providing cover from the light.  Plants to consider include amazon swords, crypts, penny warts, and dwarf hairgrass.

Compatibility

Corys are very peaceful and will not attack their tank mates, they will also hide when threatened. This makes them easy to pair with most community fish.

In the wild Cory Catfish would be found among tetras, such as neon tetras or phantom tetras. Tetras fish come in some dazzling colors and can bring more life than their size would suggest. They are peaceful (almost shy) so pair well with these calm fish.

They can also be paired with livebearers such as guppies, Mollys, and swordtails. Again, brightly colored fish that are peaceful and easy to care for.

Corys can also live with other types of Catfish, such as ottos or plecos, or some other types of an animal such as snails or shrimps.

Fish Compatibility Chart

Feeding

The Green Cory Cat will eat food that has settled to the bottom of the aquarium. Sinking pellets are a good choice.  However, supplemental foods such as bloodworms, tubifex, flake food, or sinking carnivore pellets should be offered to ensure proper nutrition.

Care

High nitrate levels can cause stress in Corydoras, so test the water regularly and keep it at 0ppm. Stress can lead to barbel infections, so it is always best to monitor your water quality as well as their behavior.

See Fish Disease Diagnosis and Treatment at Rebel Pets for help with diagnosing and treating diseases.