All fish / Callichthyidae

False Spotted Catfish

Corydoras leucomelas

Also known as blackfin cory, black-fin corydoras, false spotted cory, leucomelas cory, corydoras leucomelas, cory leucomelas, コリドラス・レウコメラス, 白黑鼠鱼

A small armoured catfish with a pale body covered in fine dark spots and a distinctive black blotch on the dorsal fin. It is kept for its peaceful nature, busy group behaviour and usefulness in sifting the substrate for leftover food.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru, Ecuador and Colombia

Breeding

Spawns in typical Corydoras T-position, with the female sticking eggs on glass or plants, often after a cool water change. It is bred occasionally in captivity, though less often than common species such as the bronze cory.

Good to know

Easily confused with Corydoras ambiacus and other spotted cories, so names in shops are often unreliable. Use soft sand to protect its barbels, and handle with care as the fin spines can snag nets.