All fish / Callichthyidae

False Bandit Corydoras

Corydoras melini

Also known as false bandit cory, melini cory, bandit cory, diagonal stripe cory, corydoras melini, c. melini, melini catfish, コリドラス・メリニ, 美利尼鼠鱼

A small armoured catfish with a pale body, a black band through the eye and a dark diagonal stripe running from the dorsal fin down towards the tail. It is kept for its striking markings and busy, sociable behaviour in community tanks with soft sand.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets, catfish tablets, bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Rio Negro and Rio Meta basins, Colombia and Brazil

Breeding

It scatters adhesive eggs on glass and plants after the typical T-position courtship, often triggered by cooler water changes. Spawning in captivity is possible but less regular than in common corydoras.

Good to know

Often confused with Corydoras metae, which has a straight back stripe rather than a diagonal one. Keep on fine sand, as sharp gravel can damage the barbels.