All fish / Callichthyidae

Polystictus Corydoras

Corydoras polystictus

Also known as many spotted cory, polystictus cory, spotted dwarf cory, polystictus catfish, c. polystictus, コリドラス・ポリスティクタス, 多斑鼠鱼

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A small, stocky armoured catfish with a pale greyish body peppered with many fine dark spots and a dark blotch at the base of the dorsal fin. It is kept for its lively, sociable foraging behaviour and its modest size, which suits planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3.5 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

54 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Paraguay and Guaporé basins in Brazil and Bolivia

Breeding

It spawns in the typical Corydoras T-position, with the female sticking eggs onto glass and plants, often after a large cool water change. It has been bred in captivity, though less often than common species, and fry need very clean water and fine foods.

Good to know

Use soft sand so the barbels are not damaged, and avoid sharp gravel and very warm water. It resembles Corydoras hastatus and C. pygmaeus less than it does spotted cories like C. ambiacus, so check the fine-spot pattern when buying.