All fish / Callichthyidae

False Blochi Catfish

Corydoras delphax

Also known as false blochi cory, delphax cory, blochi cory, spotted cory, corydoras delphax, false blochii catfish, delphax corydoras, コリドラス・デルファックス, 德尔法斯鼠鱼

A fairly stocky, long-snouted cory with a pale greyish body covered in small dark spots, a dark bar through the eye and a dark blotch on the dorsal fin. It is a hardy, sociable bottom dweller that suits community tanks with soft sand, and it spends its day sifting the substrate for food.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Colombia: upper Orinoco basin (Inírida and Guaviare river systems)

Breeding

Breeds in the typical cory T-position, with the female sticking eggs to glass, plants or decor, often after a large cool water change. It is not often bred in home aquariums, but spawning is possible with well-conditioned groups, and the eggs and fry should be raised apart from the adults.

Good to know

It is often confused with Corydoras blochi and similar spotted long-snouted species, and trade shipments are frequently mixed. Use fine sand and keep the water clean so the barbels are not damaged.