All fish / Callichthyidae

Blue Fin Aspidoras

Aspidoras pauciradiatus

Also known as false corydoras, bluefin cory, blue fin aspidoras, aspidoras c37, pauciradiatus cory, sparse-rayed aspidoras, アスピドラス・パウキラディアトゥス, 少鳍盾皮鲇

A tiny armoured catfish resembling a slim Corydoras, with a pale body, fine dark spotting and a dark blotch on the dorsal fin that can show a bluish sheen. It is kept for its lively, busy shoaling behaviour along the substrate and suits small, peaceful soft-water community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

2.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.2

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 8 or more

Diet

Omnivore: small sinking pellets, micro wafers, frozen and live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: upper Araguaia and Negro river basins

Breeding

An egg scatterer that lays adhesive eggs on plants and glass, much like Corydoras, often after a cool water change. Spawning happens occasionally in well-kept groups, but raising the very small fry needs infusoria-sized foods and clean water, so it is moderately difficult.

Good to know

Needs fine sand and good water quality, as barbels erode on sharp gravel. Fish sold under this name are often mixed with similar Aspidoras or Corydoras species, so check identification.