Description
Corydoras habrosus, also known as the Salt and Pepper Dwarf Corydoras catfish, is a true dwarf freshwater catfish that belongs to the family Callichthyidae. This fish is native to the rivers and streams of South America, particularly in the western Amazon basin, including Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. It is a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts because of its cute and bandit-like unique appearance, hardy nature, and peaceful temperament.
Corydoras habrosus is a small catfish that typically grows to a maximum length of 1.5 inches (4 centimeters). It has a flattened body shape with an armored plating covering its head and body. The dorsal and pectoral fins are adorned with sharp spines, which can inflict injury if not handled carefully. The coloration of Corydoras habrosus is mostly silver with black markings on the body, resembling salt and pepper. The fins are generally transparent but in older fish, they can take on a slight yellowish tint.
In the wild, Corydoras habrosus inhabits slow-moving streams and tributaries that are heavily vegetated. The water in their natural habitat is typically soft and slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The temperature ranges from 72 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 25 degrees Celsius).
In an aquarium, it is recommended to replicate the natural habitat of Corydoras habrosus as much as possible. A tank size of at least 10 gallons is sufficient for a small group of 5 to 6 individuals. The tank should be densely planted with live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and Amazon sword. A sandy substrate is preferred as it mimics their natural environment and allows the fish to sift through the sand for food. The water parameters should be maintained between pH 6.0 and 7.5 and a temperature between 72 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 25 degrees Celsius).
Corydoras habrosus is an omnivore and feeds on a variety of foods in the wild, including small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. In an aquarium, they are not picky eaters and will accept a variety of commercially prepared foods, including pellets, flakes, and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. It is important to feed them a varied diet to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.
Corydoras habrosus is a peaceful fish and is best kept in a community tank with other peaceful fish. They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5 to 6 individuals. They are active during the day and spend most of their time sifting through the substrate for food. They are also known for their "catfish shuffle," where they move their pectoral fins in a rhythmic motion to stir up the substrate.
Breeding Corydoras habrosus in an aquarium is possible with the right conditions. A separate breeding tank with a bare bottom and a sponge filter is recommended. The water should be soft and slightly acidic with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, and the temperature should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). A breeding pair or a group of individuals should be placed in the tank, and spawning usually occurs in the morning. The eggs are scattered on the substrate and hatch in 3 to 5 days. The fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or commercial fry food. These fish do not ship individually bagged.
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