All fish / Callichthyidae

Ornate Corydoras

Corydoras ornatus

Also known as ornate cory, ornatus cory, ornate catfish, corydoras ornatus, コリドラス・オルナトゥス, 华丽鼠鱼

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A small armoured catfish with a pale silvery body covered in dark spots, a dark band along the flank and a black blotch on the dorsal fin. It is kept for its busy, sociable behaviour as it sifts the substrate in groups and suits calm community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

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, daphnia, brine shrimp and other small live or frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: upper Tapajós River basin (Rio Cururu and nearby tributaries)

Breeding

Spawning follows the usual Corydoras T-position, with the female sticking eggs onto glass or plants, often triggered by a cool water change. It is rarely bred in home aquariums and most fish sold are wild caught.

Good to know

Needs a soft sand substrate to protect its barbels and should not be kept with large or aggressive fish. Often confused with similar spotted species such as Corydoras reticulatus or C. ambiacus, so check identification when buying.