Corydoras Gladys

Corydoras Gladys, the scientific name Corydoras gladysae, belongs to the family Callichthyidae (Shelled or callicht catfishes). The fish is named after Gladys Ana Maria Monasterio, an ichthyologist at the National University of Salta (UNSa) in Argentina, who first collected wild specimens of the species and provided a scientific description.

The fish is native to South America. The natural habitat is limited to the Calhaqui River in the upper basin of the more full-flowing Parana River in the province of the Argentinean province of Salta. The biotope is a rather turbulent river with rocky substrates and a fast current, originating in the highlands at an altitude of 6000 meters and running through a mountain valley. The river is fed by melting glaciers. The climate in this area is cool (12–18°C) and arid, with the maximum amount of precipitation falling in the summer months (winter in the northern hemisphere at this time).

Description

This representative of the Corydoras is somewhat different from his relatives living in sluggish rivers and swamps of the tropical zone. He adapted to a different, more severe environment, living among rocks, which affected his appearance. The body is somewhat elongated and less stocky. The dorsal and caudal fins are shortened, while the pectoral fins, on the contrary, are enlarged and oriented horizontally, located closer to the abdomen and helping to hold on to the ground, resisting the current. The coloring combines a pigment from shades of gray, thanks to which the catfish blends into the background of fine gravel.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 40 liters.
• Temperature – 8-16°C
• Value pH — 7.5–8.0
• Water hardness – medium and high hardness (11-21 dGH)
• Substrate type — stony
• Lighting – moderate or bright
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – moderate
• The size of the fish is about 3 cm.
• Food – any sinking food
• Temperament – peaceful
• Keeping in a group of 4-6 fish

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Features of the maintenance of Corydoras Gladys are completely different from the maintenance of tropical relatives. It needs cool water no higher than 16°C rich in dissolved oxygen with high carbonate hardness. The design uses a rocky substrate of small pebbles, boulders, fragments of rocks. The presence of an internal flow is welcome.

Aquarium maintenance is standard. Regular removal of organic waste and weekly replacement of part of the water with fresh water in the amount of 30–40% will help maintain its quality at a high level. Depending on the configuration of the equipment, its timely prevention is necessary.

Food. Will accept most foods designed for aquarium fish. For example, dry, freeze-dried, gel-like, live and frozen products of suitable size.

behavior and compatibility. Peace-loving friendly fish that prefers to be in the company of relatives. Due to the characteristics of the habitat, the choice of compatible species is limited. You should choose from among fish that can tolerate low temperatures and moderate currents. Classical goldfish, some loaches can be considered as candidates for neighbors.