Speckled corridor: maintenance and care, breeding in an aquarium, albino, veil and other species

For more than a hundred years, speckled catfish have been grown at home. He gained popularity among lovers of aquarium fish due to his friendly character, endurance and unpretentiousness, ease of breeding, as well as quick adaptation to almost any conditions.

Types of speckled corridors and their description

The speckled corridor is a small bottom catfish. The maximum length of its body is only 6–7 centimeters. The characteristic external features of this fish include a flat abdomen, as well as a rounded back and head. On the surface of the whole body of the speckled catfish there are strong bone plates in the form of small shields, which reliably protect it from the attacks of predatory aquatic inhabitants.

On the back there is a triangular fin with a fairly sharp and hard spike, the pectorals are also equipped with similar spikes. Around the mouth there is a pair of antennae, characteristic of all catfish – their presence helps the fish to find food at the bottom.

The coloration of the body of speckled corridors is due to the origin, as well as the conditions of detention. The main shade can vary from pale beige to bronze. The pattern of dark ash dots and specks is unique. The fins of this fish are almost transparent, however, there are dark blotches on their surface.

In addition to the traditional speckled corridor, there are two more varieties – veil and albino.

Corydoras speckled veil

This catfish is native to South America.

The veiled speckled catfish are characterized by an olive body color with a metallic sheen, dotted with dark spots and irregularly shaped specks. The fins of these fish have a characteristic elongated shape, resembling a veil.

Albino

Albino catfish in body structure resemble ordinary speckled corridors. The main difference lies in their colors, light pinkish-peach with a slight pearly sheen, as well as red eyes.

Unlike the common speckled corridor, these individuals lay fewer eggs and grow slowly.

Features of the behavior of speckled corridors

Speckled catfish have a peaceful and calm character. In their natural environment, they live in very slow, almost motionless river waters, leading a flock of life. As a rule, they do not conflict with other types of fish.

During a stressful state, as well as during courtship, speckled catfish can make special warning sounds. This ability is due to the friction of the spines of the pectoral fins and shoulder plates. In anticipation of the approaching danger, the corridor shoots out the sharp spikes of its fins and holds such a defensive position. Despite the miniature size of the spikes, they are sharp enough to pierce the skin. Therefore, the owners of these fish should be careful when dealing with them.

Another interesting feature of the behavior of speckled catfish is the ability to breathe atmospheric air, i.e. they have intestinal respiration. Periodically rising to the water surface, the fish captures a small air bubble that passes through the digestive tract.

Advantages and disadvantages

The fish spends most of its life at the bottom of the aquarium.

The speckled corridor is one of the easiest fish species to breed in an aquarium.

Among its main advantages:

• attractive and effective appearance;
• small size, allowing the use of a compact container from 50 liters;
• omnivorous;
• good adaptation to any conditions.

There are no obvious shortcomings in keeping speckled corridors. However, it is important to consider that due to the habit of fish constantly digging in the ground and disturbing the water in the aquarium, it is necessary to provide an effective filtration system.

Care and maintenance

The speckled corydoras is one of the easiest fish to keep.

What to feed

Pickiness in food is one of the main advantages of speckled catfish. However, it is important to consider that this breed of fish feeds exclusively from the bottom of the aquarium. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that food in sufficient quantities falls down. The particles of food remaining on the water surface will go to other fish.

As live food, it is recommended to use bloodworms, tubifex and brine shrimp. Catfish willingly eats them also in dry and frozen form.

Since the speckled corridor loves to eat at night, it is recommended to drop a couple of special tablets or granules to the bottom of the aquarium in the evening.

It is recommended to serve food twice a day, in such an amount that the fish can absorb within five minutes.

It is necessary to promptly eliminate unclaimed food residues, preventing their decay. Otherwise, nitrates and salts will begin to accumulate in the water, which in large quantities are dangerous for fish, especially for their antennae. To ensure the good health of the corridors, it is necessary to change the water in the aquarium once a week.

Diseases and treatment

A change in behavior is the first sign of illness in the corridors

There are no specific diseases affecting exclusively speckled corridors. This type of fish staunchly resists diseases, however, if the conditions of detention are violated, it can be susceptible to bacterial and fungal infections, like other aquatic inhabitants.

The fact that the catfish began to have problems with well-being is evidenced by:

• lethargic behavior;
• deterioration of appetite;
• fading of natural color;
• folded fins;
• whitish coating on scales.

In such cases, the fish must be immediately isolated from other aquarium inhabitants by transplanting into a separate glass container. At the same time, the water must be fresh, the presence of even a small amount of salt can be fatal.

Bacterial diseases are determined by signs such as:

• bloating;
• filiform feces of white color;
• the appearance of bruising;
• ulcerative lesions.

With fungal diseases, a moss or downy coating appears on the body of the fish.

The main symptoms of diseases caused by ciliates and flagellar organisms are rashes, holes and dots.

Most common in catfish are fin rot and swim bladder disorder.

Fin rot

The disease is characterized by blanching, inflammation and wear of the fins. Sometimes blood streaks appear on their surface. The reasons for this condition may be the poor quality of water and food, overpopulation of the aquarium, stressful situations, as well as the development of other diseases.

Antibacterial drugs, such as tetracycline and chloramphenicol, should be used for treatment. For prevention purposes, it is necessary to regularly change the water, measure its temperature, not give the fish too much food, and also not overcrowd the aquarium.

Swim bladder disorder

A condition in which the belly bulges violently, causing the fish to swim upside down. This disease is caused by overeating or excess air. In such situations, it is recommended not to feed the fish for two to three days, and after this period to feed a small amount of pea porridge.

To improve the digestive process, you should slightly increase the temperature of the water in the aquarium, and, on the contrary, reduce its level. Prevention involves keeping the aquarium perfectly clean, correct dosing of food, and pre-soaking food.

Conditions of detention

The right choice of soil is one of the most important components of corridor maintenance.

An aquarium with a capacity of 55 to 60 liters is suitable for keeping two or three individuals of speckled corridors. The water in the tank should always be fresh and cool, with moderate aeration – only under such conditions will the fish feel good.

Due to the high sensitivity of catfish antennae, it is necessary to responsibly approach the choice of soil. The best options are fine gravel with a fraction of not more than 5 mm and clean river sand.

As shelters for the speckled corridor, it is recommended to use snags, which provide an antibacterial effect. Floating plants that scatter light fluxes will also come in handy.

It is forbidden to use large and sharp stones for arranging the aquarium bottom, as they can cause injury to the fish.

To enrich the aquarium water with oxygen, you should install a special filter on the bottom.

Temperature, acidity and hardness of water play an important role. The optimal indicators are as follows:

• temperature ― from 22 to 25 °C;
• hardness – up to 10 dGH;
• acidity – up to 7.0 pH.

Who do they get along with in the aquarium

The speckled corridor gets along well with many fish, because it spends most of its time at the bottom of the aquarium

Calm, non-confrontational and friendly nature allows speckled corridors to easily get along with many other types of aquarium fish. It should be borne in mind that catfish are incompatible with heat-loving, as well as with large individuals.

The speckled corridor feels good in the same aquarium with the following types of aquatic life:

• barbs;
• scalars;
• cockerels;
• zebrafish
• guppies;
• swordsmen;
• tetras;
• labeo
• platies;
• other types of catfish.

Breeding speckled corridors at home

Even an amateur can determine the sex of the speckled corridor – it is enough to take into account the size of the body and color

How to distinguish a female from a male

There are certain differences between the female and male Corydoras. Females are larger than males – the length of their more rounded body reaches 7,5 centimeters, and males 6,5.

As for coloration, males are characterized by a brighter and more expressive with a distinct pattern, while females are soft and calm. The fins of the males are pointed.

Reproduction and spawning

For successful breeding of speckled catfish, it is recommended to choose one female and two or three males. They should be transplanted into a special spawning tank, having previously filled with fresh water approximately one third of the total capacity. By placing the container in a place well lit by the sun, aeration should be increased.

During this period, the fish need a quality live food containing a sufficient amount of protein. It can be daphnia, bloodworm, brine shrimp or tubifex.

Under natural conditions, the spawning of the speckled corridor occurs during the rainy season, so it should be imitated by gradually lowering the water temperature by 2–3 degrees.

The readiness of the female for mating is signaled by the redness of her abdomen and dorsal fin. As the mobility and activity of the fish increase, mating games begin, during which the male tickles the female with his antennae from all sides. Then he bends down against her mouth and releases a shot of milk. Having swallowed it, the female throws several eggs into a previously prepared place and independently inseminates them using milk.

During the spawning period, which lasts up to one hour, the female lays about 200–400 large yellow eggs. As soon as the process is completed, the fish must be transplanted so that they do not eat the hatched offspring.

Depending on the temperature of the water, the maturation of caviar can last from four to eight days. For feeding young animals, ciliates should be used as a starter product, and after some time, brine shrimp. During the first six months of life, the fry actively grow, adding one centimeter to the length of their body every month.

How many live in an aquarium

If you provide the corridors with the right conditions, they will easily breed and feel great.

The average life expectancy of speckled corridors, subject to the correct conditions of detention, is at least 6–8 years. Due to the ease of reproduction in aquarium conditions, their breeding is not difficult even for beginners.

Keeping speckled corridors is quite simple even for beginner aquarists. And the presence of these bright and spectacular fish in the house creates a positive mood and contributes to overall harmony. In addition, they get along well with other freshwater aquarium inhabitants.