All fish / Callichthyidae

Three-lined cory

Corydoras trilineatus

Also known as three line cory, three stripe cory, false julii cory, julii cory, trilineatus catfish, leopard cory, three-lined corydoras, streaked cory, コリドラス・トリリネアトゥス, koridoras trilineatus, 三线鼠鱼, 三线兵鱼

A small armoured catfish with a pale body covered in a fine black reticulated pattern, a dark line running along the flank and a black blotch on the dorsal fin. It is hardy, active and sociable, making it one of the most popular bottom dwellers for community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

5 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

6 to 7.8

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

10 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil

Breeding

An egg scatterer that sticks its eggs to glass and plants after the classic T-position mating, often triggered by a cool water change. It breeds fairly readily in captivity, and eggs should be moved away from adults to protect them.

Good to know

It is widely sold as Corydoras julii, which has spots rather than a maze-like pattern, so check which species you are buying. Use sand or smooth gravel to protect the barbels.