All fish / Callichthyidae

Bilineatus Cory

Gastrodermus bilineatus

Also known as corydoras bilineatus, two-line cory, two lined cory, bilineatus corydoras, gastrodermus bilineatus, bilineata cory, コリドラス・ビリネアータス, 双线鼠鱼

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A small, slim cory from the elegans group with a pale brownish body marked by two dark lengthwise lines along each flank. Like its close relatives it often hovers in midwater as well as foraging on the bottom, which makes a group lively to watch in a planted community tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 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, daphnia, brine shrimp and other small frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Upper Amazon basin, Peru (Ucayali drainage)

Breeding

It is an egg scatterer that sticks eggs to plants and glass after the usual cory courtship, and spawning is often triggered by a cooler water change. Eggs and fry are raised fairly easily if removed from the adults and fed infusoria then baby brine shrimp.

Good to know

Under a 2024 revision the elegans group was moved to the genus Gastrodermus, so it may be sold under either name. Use soft sand or smooth gravel to protect the barbels.