All fish / Callichthyidae

Nanus Cory

Corydoras nanus

Also known as nanus corydoras, dwarf cory, elegant cory, nanus catfish, corydoras nanus, コリドラス・ナナス, 娜娜鼠, 娜娜兵鼠

This is a small, slender cory with a silvery body marked by dark, broken lengthwise stripes and lines that form a net-like pattern. It is livelier than many of its relatives and often swims in mid-water as well as on the bottom. People keep it because it is peaceful, stays small and works well in planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

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, wafers, bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Suriname and French Guiana (Suriname, Maroni and Sinnamary river basins)

Breeding

It lays adhesive eggs on glass, plants or decor, and the parents do not guard them. Captive breeding is quite possible. Spawning often follows a cool water change, and the eggs or fry should be moved away from the adults.

Good to know

Use fine sand so the barbels are not damaged, and keep the water clean and well oxygenated. It is often confused with Corydoras elegans and Corydoras napoensis, which look similar.