Somiki Corydoras

Corey catfish are one of the most popular tropical fish in the hobby, along with goldfish and representatives of viviparous species. Currently, there are more than 180 species, united in one genus Corydoras, and are better known as Corydoras catfish. In addition to already known species, there are a large number of as yet undescribed representatives of this genus, which are assigned numbers under the Latin letter C or L for identification (for example, C031 or L056). This method was first used in the German aquarium magazine DATZ (Die Aquarien und Terrarienzeitschrift) and proved so effective that it is still used today.

The word Corydoras is derived from two Greek words Corys and Doras. The first means “helmet”, the second is often translated as “skin”, however, a more accurate meaning is a protective cover or armor. If you look closely at the fish, then outwardly it really looks like it is dressed in a kind of plate armor that can successfully resist small predators. Another element of protection is the very sharp pectoral fins, which can easily be hurt by careless handling, for example, when transplanting from one aquarium to another. The color and pattern of the body is very diverse and depends on belonging to a particular species.

A distinctive feature of this species of catfish is the presence of six antennae arranged in pairs. Two pairs are above the upper jaw. The third pair, very short and relatively inconspicuous, are located on the lower jaw. The structure of the mouth allows you to dig in soft ground and, with the help of antennae dotted with sensitive sensory cells, find food.

One “strangeness” can be noticed in Corey’s behavior – they rise to the surface with a certain periodicity, which is not typical for catfish. This is not a cause for concern and is due to the fact that, like labyrinth fish, they are able to breathe atmospheric air by swallowing a small bubble with their mouths. Such adaptation helps them survive in the wild, where cases of acute deficiency of oxygen dissolved in water are not uncommon.

Pick up fish with a filter