All fish / Callichthyidae

Xingu cory

Corydoras xinguensis

Also known as xingu corydoras, xingu catfish, xingu cory catfish, corydoras xinguensis, コリドラス・シングエンシス, 欣古鼠鱼

A small armoured catfish with a pale silvery body marked with dark spots and blotches, often forming broken lines along the flanks. It is kept as a peaceful, busy bottom dweller for planted community tanks with small, calm tankmates.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

6 to 7.4

Smallest tank

60 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 15 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Brazil: upper Rio Xingu basin, Mato Grosso

Breeding

It lays sticky eggs on glass and plants in typical cory fashion, often after a large cool water change. It is bred only occasionally in captivity, as wild stock is uncommon and spawning is less reliable than in common corys.

Good to know

Needs soft sand and clean, well-oxygenated water to protect its barbels. Generic name may change as Corydoras is being split into several genera, so check current listings.