All fish / Callichthyidae

Horseman's Cory

Corydoras eques

Also known as horseman's corydoras, horseman cory, eques cory, horseman catfish, corydoras eques, green cory eques, コリドラス・エクエス, 骑士鼠鱼

A stocky armoured catfish with a metallic green to bronze body and an orange flush on the head and belly, sometimes with a dark shoulder patch. It is kept for its peaceful nature, attractive sheen and busy foraging along the substrate in community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5.5 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Tefé and middle Amazon (Solimões) basin

Breeding

It spawns in the typical Corydoras T-position, with females sticking eggs to glass and plants, often after a cool water change. It is rarely bred in captivity and most stock is wild caught.

Good to know

Use soft sand to protect the barbels, as sharp gravel causes damage. It is often confused with Corydoras melanotaenia and C. aeneus, so check identity when buying.