Blue Corydoras Care Guide: Size, Lifespan Know Before Buying
Are you looking for a bottom-dwelling catfish in your aquarium tank that will enhance the beauty of the tank?
So why not the Blue Corydoras? The Blue Corydoras, also known as the Three-Stripe Corydoras, is a peaceful freshwater fish perfect for community aquariums.
These peaceful Blue Corydoras will help improve your tank’s bottom environment and are excellent choices for tank cleaning.
They are also known to help control the algae growth in your tank. If you are looking for an active and entertaining addition to your aquarium, then Blue Corydoras is a great choice!
This article will provide information on everything you need to know about Blue Corydoras, including their habitat, size, lifespan, diet, and much more!
Keep reading to learn all about Blue Corydoras care.
What About Blue Corydoras?
The blue Corydoras or Natterer’s catfish (Corydoras nattereri) is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the subfamily Corydoradinae of the family Callichthyidae.
It is found in South America and occurs in the Orinoco, Amazon, and Paraná basins. This species grows to a length of 5.0–6.5 centimeters (2.0–2.6 in).
The blue Corydoras has a brownish body with black spots and a blue sheen.
The fins are black with white edges. The caudal peduncle is very thin.
As with all members of the Corydoras, this fish has two pairs of barbels on the upper jaw and several rows of plates along the body.
The blue Corydoras is found in slow-moving or standing waters with a sandy substrate and plenty of vegetation. It is a peaceful fish that lives in groups.
It is an omnivorous species that feed on small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. This fish breeds readily in captivity, and the fry is easy to raise.
The blue Corydoras is a popular aquarium fish. It is sometimes confused with the closely related and similarly colored Corydoras aeneus.
Species overview of Blue Corydoras
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras nattereri |
| Common Name: | Blue Corydoras, Natterer’s Catfish |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Max Size: | 6.5 cm (2.6 in) |
| Depth: | 0–3 m (0–9.8 ft) |
| Distribution: | South America; found in the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Reef Compatible: | No |
| Life Span: | 5-10 years |
| Aquarium Environment: | Freshwater |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Tank Temperature: | 22–26 °C (72–79 °F) |
| Water Movement: | Moderate |
| Tank Setup: | Corydoradoras are best kept in groups of 5 or more |
| Water Conditions: Soft to Medium, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-7.5) is preferred. | Soft to Medium, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0-7.5) is preferred. |
The Blue Corydoras is a species of river catfish from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, where it is found in the Amazon Basin.
It is a small, peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. Most people add to aquarium tanks because of their beauty and schooling behaviors.
The Blue Corydoras is a hardy fish that can tolerate many water conditions.
However, they prefer soft to medium, slightly acidic water. A well-filtered aquarium with plenty of hiding places is essential.
They are so popular in the aquarium business because they look the most beautiful of all the fish around as tank inhabitants go.
They are a lovely bluish color with black stripes running vertically down their bodies.
Natterer’s Corydoras is a peaceful species that does well in a community tank. They are best kept in groups of 5 or more. You can usually buy Blue Corydoras for around $15-20.
Main Key Facts:
- Experience Required: Easy
- Cost: $3 each
- Life Expectancy: 5 to 10 years
- Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish will shoal with others of their own kind.
All about Blue Corydoras
Although they are peaceful freshwater tank fish, there is still much to know about them. Do you know detailed information about this fish’s appearance, size, life span, and behavior?
Maybe you are wondering where to get the correct information on these topics, then keep an eye on this section.
Appearance
Since they possess blue bodies, let us first describe their appearance in detail. Corydoras are one of the smallest tropical freshwater fish.
They have a flattened head with a downward-pointing mouth. The body is elongated and slender and tapers towards the tail.
Each side of the body usually has 5 to 9 vertical dark bars. The dorsal and pectoral fins are spiny, while the other fins are soft.
The pelvic fins are located towards the rear of the body and contain a pair of long, slender feelers. The caudal fin is forked.
Corydoras have two sets of barbels: maxillary barbels near the mouth and pectoral barbels on each side of the body near the base of the pectoral fins. These barbels are used to help the fish find food.
The blue coloration of Corydoras is due to a pigment called iridophore. This pigment is found in the skin and scales and reflects blue light.
Color Varieties
There are many color varieties of blue Corydoras. Some have dark blue spots, while others are a light blue color.
Some have no spots at all. The most common color variety is the Royal Blue Corydoras. This fish has dark blue dots on its light blue body.
It is a prevalent fish in the aquarium trade. Other color varieties of blue Corydoras include the Blue Leopard Corydoras, Blue Panda Corydoras, and Blue Ringed Corydoras.
These fish are magnificent and make great additions to any aquarium.
Size & Lifespan
After discussing appearance, let’s know some important facts about their size and lifespan. Corydoras grow to an average length of 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches).
The lifespan of these fish is around 5 to 10 years, although some have been known to live for up to 15 years in captivity.
Corydoras are one of the smallest freshwater fish and have 5-10 years of life.
Behavior
Corydoras are peaceful fish that live in groups. In the wild, they can be found in slow-moving streams and rivers, often near the bottom.
They are scavengers and will eat just about anything, including algae, small insects, and detritus. Corydoras are shy fish and do best in groups of 6 or more.
When threatened, they will often hide among plants or rocks. Corydoras are also known to “school” with other fish of the same species. This means that they swim together in groups.
Corydoras are peaceful fish that live in groups. In the wild, they can be found in slow-moving streams and rivers.
These fish are shy by nature and do best when living in groups of six or more fish.
Corydoras are also known to “school” with other fish of the same species, meaning they swim together in groups. When threatened, Corydoras will often hide among plants or rocks.
These fish are scavengers and eat just about anything, including algae, small insects, and detritus.
Now you know lots of detailed information about blue Corydoras in terms of appearance, size, lifespan, and behavior. It is time to find out where you can get these fish.
Pros And Cons Of Blue Corydoras In The Aquarium
Like any other type of fish, blue Corydoras also have some pros and cons. So, before you get these fish, it is better to know them in advance.
Overall, blue Corydoras make good additions to the aquarium. They are peaceful, active fish that are easy to care for.
However, they do require some attention to thrive. Be sure to research these fish before adding them to your tank.
The Personality of the Blue Corydoras
Maybe you’ve added Blue Corydoras to your aquarium tank, but what do you know about their personalities?
If you don’t know, in this section, I will discuss the 5 personalities of this fish step by step so that you can get to know them more.
The blue Corydoras is a peaceful fish
This fish is known to be peaceful and calm, making it a great addition to any community aquarium.
They are also good tank mates for other peaceful fish such as Neon Tetras and Guppies.
The blue Corydoras is a playful fish
Despite their small size, blue Corydoras are actually quite playful. They enjoy swimming around and exploring their tanks.
If you have other fish in your tank, you may see the blue Corydoras chasing after them from time to time. However, they will never hurt or harm other fish.
The blue Corydoras is a curious fish
Blue Corydoras are also inquisitive fish. They are constantly exploring their tanks and trying to find new things.
This can get them into trouble, such as getting stuck in places where they can’t get out.
However, their curious nature also makes them fun to watch, and they are always interesting to observe.
The blue Corydoras is a social fish.
Another personality trait of the blue Corydoras is that they are social fish. They enjoy being around other fish and will often swim in schools.
This can make them a great addition to a community aquarium.
The blue Corydoras is a hardy fish
Finally, blue Corydoras are also very hardy fish. They can adapt to a wide range of water conditions and can even tolerate some changes in water parameters.
This makes them ideal for beginner aquarists or those who don’t want to worry about their fish too much.
Now you know the five prominent personalities of the blue Corydoras. Keep these in mind when adding them to your aquarium tank.
Remember, they are peaceful, playful, curious, social, and hardy fish that significantly add to any community aquarium.
Care guide for Blue Corydoras
Corydoras are peaceful and easy to care for freshwater fish that make a great addition to any community aquarium.
The Blue Corydoras is a beautiful variation of this widespread species that will surely add color and interest to your tank!
These little fish are hardy and relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure they thrive.
In this care guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for Blue Corydoras, including:
Aquarium setup
The first thing you’ll need to do is set up your aquarium. Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of space for them to swim around and explore.
You’ll also need a good filter and some live plants to help keep the water quality high. Corydoras are sensitive to water quality, so keeping an eye on your nitrates and ensuring they stay low is essential.
Aquarium size
Corydoras are small fish, so they don’t need a giant aquarium. A 20-gallon tank is plenty of space for a small group of these fish.
If you’re planning on keeping a larger group, you’ll need a bigger tank.
Corydoras are social fish and do best in groups, so it’s essential to have enough space to interact with each other.
Water parameters
Corydoras are freshwater fish that need water free of ammonia and nitrates. The ideal pH range for Corydoras is 6.5-7.5, and the perfect temperature is 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s essential to test your water regularly to ensure these levels stay within the ideal range. If you notice any changes, take action to correct them immediately.
Diet and Feeding
As with most Corydoras, the diet of the blue cory should consist of a variety of small live and frozen foods.
Brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms are all excellent choices, and they will also accept many types of pellets and flakes.
As always, be sure to offer a variety of foods to ensure optimal health.
Feeding frequency will depend on the size of your fish; adults should be fed 2-3 times per day, while juveniles can be fed 3-4 times per day.
As with all fish, it is best to underfeed rather than overfeed. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues and gastric issues in your fish.
My Recommendation on food brands:
- For pellets, I recommend New Life Spectrum. They have a sinking corydoras pellet that works excellently.
- For flakes, I recommend Hikari Bio-Pure. This is a high-quality flake food that my fish seem to love.
- I recommend getting whatever is local and fresh for live and frozen foods. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia are all excellent choices.
Now you know everything you need to know about caring for Blue Corydoras! These little fish are a great addition to any aquarium, and with the proper care, they will thrive for years to come.
Corydoras are peaceful and easy to care for freshwater fish that make a great addition to any community aquarium.
Habitat And Ecology
Habitat And Ecology for Blue CorydorasBlue corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) are freshwater fish native to South America.
They are commonly found in rivers, streams, and lakes with sandy bottoms and plenty of hiding places.
Corydoras aeneus is not particular about water temperature or pH but prefers oxygen-rich water.
In the wild, blue Corydoras are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, detritus, and algae. Blue Corydoras are schooling fish; in the wild, they typically live in groups of 20 or more individuals.
In captivity, blue Corydoras are peaceful and can be kept with other delicate fish. They are best kept in groups of 5 or more and will do best in an aquarium with plenty of hiding places.
Blue Corydoras are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Optimal Tank Conditions
| Water Type: | Freshwater |
| Tank Size: | 20 gallons or more |
| Water Temperature: | 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Substrate: | Sand or small gravel |
| Tank Setup: | Aquarium with plenty of hiding places |
| Acidity: | 6.5-7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Soft to medium |
| Salinity: | 0 ppm |
| Filter: | External canister filter |
| Bubbler: | Optional |
| Lighting: | Low light |
| Water Heater: | Optional |
Optimal tank conditions for blue Corydoras include a freshwater aquarium with a 20-gallon or more capacity.
The water temperature should be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with a soft to medium hardness and a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
A sandy substrate is best, along with plenty of hiding places for the fish. Blue Corydoras are relatively peaceful and can be kept with other delicate fish.
They are best kept in groups of 5 or more and will do best in a well-oxygenated aquarium.
An external canister filter is recommended, with low light and a water heater (optional).
Tank Mates
When selecting tank mates for blue Corydoras, it is essential to choose peaceful fish that will not outcompete them for food.
Good choices include:
- Tetras (such as neon tetras or ember tetras)
- Guppies
- Mollies
- Platies
- Swordtails
- Danios
- Barbs (such as cherry barbs or tiger barbs)
- Gouramis
If you keep blue Corydoras with other Bottom Dwellers, choose fish too large to be potential prey.
When choosing tank mates for blue Corydoras, it is essential to avoid fish that are known to be aggressive or nippy.
Some bad choices include:
- Tiger barbs
- Danios
- Cichlids
- Bettas
Finally, be sure to do your research on the fish you are considering before adding them to your tank. This will help you avoid compatibility issues down the road.
Breeding Your Blue Corydoras
If you are interested in breeding your blue Corydoras, there are a few things you will need to do to increase your chances of success.
First, having a well-oxygenated tank with plenty of hiding places is essential. A sandy substrate is also recommended.
The water temperature should be between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, with a soft to medium hardness and a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Having a group of at least 5 fish is also essential, as this will help increase the chances of finding a compatible pair.
Once you have a compatible pair, you will need to provide them with plenty of live foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.
You may also need to condition the fish with hormone injections to stimulate spawning.
If all goes well, the female will lay up to 200 eggs, hatching in 5-7 days. The fry will be free-swimming in another 2-3 weeks.
At this point, they can be fed baby brine shrimp or commercial fry food. Your fry should grow to adulthood within 6-8 months with proper care.
Congratulations- you have successfully bred blue Corydoras in your aquarium!
10 Pro Tips for Keeping Blue Corydoras in an Aquarium
- Corydoras are a schooling fish, so keeping at least six of them together is essential. More is even better!
- Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, so make sure your aquarium has plenty of places for them to hide and explore.
- Corydoras are gentle fish, so avoid tankmates that are too aggressive.
- Corydoras love to eat, so ensure your aquarium is well-stocked with live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
- Corydoras are sensitive to water quality, so be sure to do regular water changes and monitor your ammonia and nitrite levels.
- Corydoras are sensitive to changes in water temperature, so be sure to acclimate them slowly to new tank conditions.
- Corydoras are social fish, so they’ll thrive in an aquarium with other peaceful fish species.
- Corydoras are hardy fish but are still susceptible to diseases like white spots and velvet. Be sure to quarantine new fish and treat any sick fish immediately.
- Corydoras are best kept in groups of six or more, so consider getting a breeding group if you’re interested in seeing them spawn.
- Corydoras are beautiful fish that greatly add to any peaceful community aquarium. Thanks for choosing them!
History And First Sighting
The first recorded sighting of a blue corydoras was in 1824 by Johann Baptist von Spix, who discovered the fish in Brazil.
However, it wasn’t until 1884 that the blue Corydoras was formally described and given its scientific name, Corydoras caeruleus.
Since then, the blue Corydoras has become a popular fish in the aquarium trade and is now widely available.
If you’re thinking of adding blue Corydoras to your aquarium, here are some things to keep in mind:
Blue Corydoras are peaceful fish that do best in groups of six or more. They make a great addition to any peaceful community aquarium.
My Last Opinion
I absolutely love blue Corydoras! They are such beautiful and peaceful fish that they make a great addition to any aquarium.
I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a new fish to add to their tank. If you have any questions about keeping them, feel free to ask me. I would be more than happy to help!