All fish / Callichthyidae

Adolfo's cory

Corydoras adolfoi

Also known as adolfo's catfish, adolfo's corydoras, adolfoi cory, adolfo cory, adolphoi cory, corydoras adolphoi, コリドラス・アドルフォイ, 阿道夫鼠鱼, 红头鼠

A small, pale cream catfish with a black band running along the back and through the eye, and a bright orange patch on the head just in front of the dorsal fin. It is kept for its striking looks and peaceful nature, and suits soft-water community tanks with fine sand.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Rio Negro basin near São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Brazil

Breeding

Eggs are laid on glass and plants after the typical Corydoras T-position spawning, often set off by cool water changes. It has been bred in captivity but is less reliable than common species, and soft, acidic water helps.

Good to know

Most stock is still wild-caught and can be delicate on arrival, so acclimatise carefully and keep water clean. It is easily confused with C. imitator and C. burgessi, which look very similar.