All fish / Callichthyidae

Corydoras simulatus

Corydoras simulatus

Also known as false network catfish, simulatus cory, simulatus corydoras, cory simulatus, false metae cory, corydoras simulatis, コリドラス・シミュラトゥス, 拟态鼠鱼

This is a fairly long-snouted cory with a pale, silvery body. A black stripe runs along the back and continues to the tail, and the dorsal fin often has a yellowish tinge. Keepers like it because it looks like Corydoras metae and C. melini, it is fairly uncommon in the trade, and it is a calm, sociable fish that sifts the substrate.

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, brine shrimp, daphnia, small worms

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Colombia: upper Meta River basin (Orinoco drainage)

Breeding

It lays eggs in the usual cory way: the pair forms a T-position and the female sticks the eggs onto glass or plants. Captive spawning has been reported, but it happens less often than with the common species, and a cool water change can help set it off.

Good to know

Use soft sand or smooth fine gravel so the barbels are not damaged, and keep the water clean and well oxygenated. It is often mixed up with C. metae and C. melini, so check the shape of the snout and how far the stripe runs.