All fish / Callichthyidae

Semiaquilus Cory

Corydoras semiaquilus

Also known as semiaquilus cory, semiaquilus corydoras, green gold cory, false melini, c. semiaquilus, semiaquilus catfish, コリドラス・セミアクイルス, 半鹰鼠鱼

This is a fairly large, long-snouted cory with a pale body covered in dark spots, a dark band along the back and an orange or greenish metallic sheen near the head. Hobbyists keep it for its striking looks and calm, social habits, and groups spend the day sifting soft sand for food.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

Omnivore: sinking pellets and wafers, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and small live or frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 12 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru and western Brazil (Rio Solimões and tributaries)

Breeding

It lays sticky eggs on glass or plants after the typical cory T-position mating, often triggered by cool water changes. Captive spawning is reported but less common than with smaller species, and most fish sold are still wild-caught.

Good to know

Use fine sand and keep the water clean, because coarse gravel and poor water quality wear down its barbels. It looks similar to other long-snouted spotted corys and is sometimes sold under the wrong name.