Corydora Habrosus Catfish (Corydoras habrosus): Miniature Elegance

Water Type: Corydoras habrosus are native to South America, specifically Colombia and Venezuela. They prefer mild to moderately hard waters with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal water temperature is between 22°C and 26°C.

Aquarium Size: To maintain a group of Corydoras habrosus, an aquarium of at least 60 liters is recommended. Although they are small, their well-being is enhanced in a spacious environment with soft substrate and hiding places.

Care:

1. Diet: They are omnivorous and accept live, frozen, and flake foods. Providing a varied diet will ensure your health and vitality.

2. Soft Substrate: These Corydoras have sensitive barbels, so they benefit from a soft substrate. Avoiding sharp substrates is essential to prevent injury to your chins.

Possible Diseases:

1. Swim Bladder Disease: Common in many groundfish, it can be caused by an unbalanced diet. Feeding in moderation and variety helps prevent this problem.

2. Fungi: Fungi can be susceptible to fungal infections, especially if water conditions are less than ideal. Maintaining water quality is key to preventing disease.

Colors and Distinguishing Features:

1. Body Pattern: They have a small, elongated body with a distinctive pattern of dark lines along their sides. The overall coloration is beige or tan.

2. Compact Size: Unlike some larger Corydoras, habrosus reach approximately 3 cm in length.

History and Origin: These Corydoras are native to tributaries of the Orinoco River in Colombia and Venezuela. They were first discovered in the 1990s and have gained popularity in aquarium farming ever since.

Fascinating Curiosities:

1. Playful Behavior: Although peaceful, Corydoras habrosus are active and may display playful behaviors in the aquarium.

2. Social Group: They do best when kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. They form a kind of society at the bottom of the aquarium.

Approximate Size and Weight: At around 3 cm in size, these Corydoras are one of the smallest species in the genus. They do not carry significant weight in terms of home aquariums.

Reproduction: Captive breeding is achieved by providing an environment that mimics their natural conditions. The female lays her eggs, and the male fertilizes them. The parents do not actively care for the eggs, so they must be removed to increase the survival of the young.

Corydoras habrosus are a lovely choice for community aquariums, bringing vibrancy and a unique touch to the environment.