All fish / Callichthyidae

Bannertail Cory

Corydoras robineae

Also known as banner-tail corydoras, flagtail corydoras, bannertail catfish, robina's cory, robineae cory, flag tail cory, cory robineae, corydoras robinae, コリドラス・ロビネアエ, 旗尾鼠鱼, 罗宾鼠鱼

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This is a slim, long-snouted cory with a silvery body, a dark stripe along the flank and spotting on the head. Its tail carries bold black and white diagonal bands, which give it the banner or flag look that makes it a favourite with catfish keepers. It is peaceful and busy, and suits soft-water community tanks with sandy floors.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: middle Rio Negro basin, especially the Rio Aracá

Breeding

It spawns like other corys, with the female holding eggs between her pelvic fins and sticking them to glass or leaves, often after a large cool water change. It has been bred in captivity, but it is less reliable than common species, and the fry need clean water and very small foods.

Good to know

Use fine sand and keep the water clean, because the barbels are easily damaged on sharp gravel or in dirty conditions. It does best in soft, slightly acidic water that is a little warmer than many corys prefer.