All fish / Callichthyidae

Barredtail corydoras

Corydoras cochui

Also known as barred-tail corydoras, barredtail cory, cochu's catfish, cochui cory, cochu's cory, コリドラス・コチュイ, 科奇鼠鱼

One of the smallest Corydoras, this little catfish has a pale silvery body with rows of dark spots and clear dark bars across the tail fin. It suits small, peaceful planted tanks, and a group sifting through the sand is fun to watch.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

2.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 8 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Rio Araguaia basin, Brazil

Breeding

It lays sticky eggs on glass or plants, much like other Corydoras, often after a cool water change. It has been bred in captivity, but it is not done often, and the tiny fry need very fine foods.

Good to know

Use soft sand and keep the water clean, because barbels get damaged on sharp gravel or in dirty conditions. It is small enough to be eaten by large tankmates and can be confused with C. hastatus or C. pygmaeus.