All fish / Callichthyidae

Schwartz's Cory

Corydoras schwartzi

Also known as schwartz's catfish, schwartz's corydoras, schwartzi cory, schwarzi cory, corydoras schwarzi, c. schwartzi, コリドラス・シュワルツィ, 施瓦兹鼠鱼

A small armoured catfish with a pale body covered in rows of dark spots, a black bar running through the eye and a dark band along the back below the dorsal fin. It is kept for its peaceful nature, busy shoaling behaviour and the useful way it sifts through sand for leftover food.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: Rio Purus basin, Amazonas

Breeding

It lays sticky eggs on glass and plants in the typical T-position spawning seen in Corydoras, often set off by a large cool water change. Spawning in captivity is fairly achievable, though the adults will eat eggs, so these are best moved to a separate container.

Good to know

Use soft sand or smooth gravel, as rough substrate damages the sensitive barbels. Several similar spotted species and C. sp. look-alikes are sold under this name, so identification is often uncertain.