Bluespotted Corydoras Care: Size, Diet, Tank Breeding & More
Bluespotted Corydoras are excellent catfish for freshwater aquariums. Their blue spots all over their body will make the bottom of your tank more attractive.
They look a bit like the Sixray Corydoras but are distinguished by their individuality, with small dot markings running from head to tail.
Bluespotted Corydoras are easy to care for in tank conditions and can adapt quickly to changing water conditions.
They are peaceful towards other tank mates and will do well with other small to medium-sized freshwater fish.
As bottom dwellers, they help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food and detritus. Corydoras are also known to eat algae.
Keep reading to learn everything you need about caring for Bluespotted Corydoras!
What About Bluespotted Corydoras?
The Bluespotted Corydoras are native to South America and are found in coastal rivers of French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname. They have also been found in the Rio Negro basin in Brazil.
The Bluespotted Corydoras is a small, peaceful fish that does well in a community aquarium. They are bottom-dwellers and prefer to live in groups.
These fish are relatively easy to care for but require some water quality attention.
They are sensitive to high levels of nitrates and ammonia, so regular water changes are necessary. A good filter is also essential.
The Bluespotted Corydoras is an omnivore and will eat most aquarium foods, including flake, pellets, and frozen and live foods. Be sure to provide a variety of foods to ensure good nutrition.
If you are looking for a peaceful, hardy fish that is relatively easy to care for, the Bluespotted Corydoras is a good choice.
Species overview of Bluespotted Corydoras
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras melanistius |
| Common Name: | Bluespotted Corydoras |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Max Size: | 2.5″ |
| Depth: | 3-8′ |
| Distribution: | South America |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Peaceful |
| Reef Compatible: | No |
| Life Span: | 5-7 years |
| Aquarium Environment: | Bottom-dwelling |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
| Tank Temperature: | 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water Movement: | Moderate |
| Water Conditions: | Requires clean, well-filtered water |
| Compatibility: | peaceful fish that does well in a community aquarium |
| Tank Setup: | Freshwater – requires some attention to water quality |
The Bluespotted Corydoras (Corydoras melanistius) belongs to the Callichthyidae family, which contains many other species of Corydoras.
They prefer to stay in the bottom area of the tank and are known to be peaceful fish that do well in a community aquarium.
However, they may become aggressive when spawning. Corydoras melanistic is an easy fish to care for and requires clean, well-filtered water.
However, these fish are so popular with aquarists because of their habit of eating algae that accumulate on the bottom of the aquarium, making them a helpful addition to any tank!
Bluespotted Corydoras are native to South America and can be found in slow-moving rivers and streams. In the wild, they typically inhabit areas with soft substrates such as sand or mud.
They are schooling fish, so it is best to keep them in groups of at least six. In the aquarium, they should be provided with plenty of hiding places and a few plants.
These Bluespotted Corydoras are slightly more expensive than other catfish. The estimated price for a single fish is $10.
A 20-gallon tank is a minimum size for these fish, but a 30-gallon or larger tank is recommended if you keep a group of them.
Main Key Facts:
- Experience Required: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Price: $10
- Family: Callichthyidae
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Pros And Cons Of Bluespotted Corydoras In The Aquarium
As with any animal, there are pros and cons to keeping Bluespotted Corydoras in your aquarium. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons below:
So, what do you think? Are Bluespotted Corydoras an excellent addition to your aquarium?
All about Bluespotted Corydoras
Although they are so popular in the aquarium trade, do you know everything about them?
All told, their appearance, size, lifespan, growth rate, and behavior have never been considered.
If you don’t know, keep an eye on this part, each topic will be discussed step by step so you can understand everything about them.
Appearance
Those who look very beautiful because of small blue spots, so let’s describe their appearance at the beginning.
The body is elongated and slightly flattened laterally, with the upper profile being more convex than the lower.
They have small heads with large eyes. The mouth is small and located at the bottom, with 3 pairs of barbels.
The dorsal fin has 7-9 soft rays, while the pectoral and caudal fins have 13-15 and 16-18 rays, respectively.
The adipose fin is absent. The gill covers have 3 spines. Corydoras are found in various colors, but the most common is brown with black spots.
Color patterns
The color patterns on their bodies can vary greatly, but the most common is brown with black spots.
These fish have an exquisite appearance thanks to the contrast between the dark spots and the lighter background color.
The spots are usually round but can also be oval or elongated. In some cases, they may even form lines.
Some Corydoras have a single color, but others have multiple colors. The most common colors are brown, black, and white, but you can also find them in shades of blue, green, and red.
Size & Lifespan
Corydoras are small fish with a maximum length of 4 inches (10 cm). However, most species only reach about 2.8 inches (7 cm).
As for their lifespan, Corydoras can live for 5-10 years in captivity if they are well cared for.
Their lifespan is probably shorter in the wild due to predation and other environmental factors.
Growth rate
Not much information was available about the growth rate of this fish. However, a 2018 study provides accurate information on the growth of Corydoras in captivity.
The study found that Corydoras grow relatively slowly, with a mean length of 1.2 inches (3 cm) after one year and 2.4 inches (6 cm) after two years.
Behavior
Corydoras are peaceful fish that live in groups in the wild. They should also be kept in groups of at least 6-8 fish in captivity.
They are very active and love to explore their surroundings. Corydoras are also good swimmers and can often be seen swimming in the middle or upper levels of the aquarium.
These fish are not aggressive and get along well with other peaceful species. They are also known to be good parents and will often care for their young.
The personality of the Bluespotted Corydoras
Every fish has its own personality, and Blue Spotted Corydoras are no different.
But if you do not observe them well in the aquarium tank, then you will not be able to know much about their personality.
Corydoras are generally very peaceful fish, but there can be some aggression when it comes to spawning or if they feel threatened.
Corydoras like to live in groups, and they are very social creatures. They are also active during the day and love to explore their surroundings.
Corydoras are not known to be fin nippers, but they may nibble on the fins of other fish if stressed or bored.
The Blue Spotted Corydoras is a beautiful fish perfect for any aquarium. They are peaceful, active, and social creatures that will bring a lot of enjoyment to your tank.
Care guide for Bluespotted Corydoras
Bluespotted Corydoras are a type of freshwater aquarium fish that belong to the family Callichthyidae.
These bottom-dwelling fish are native to South America and are popular among aquarium enthusiasts due to their peaceful nature and vibrant coloration.
As with all aquarium fish, proper care must be taken to ensure a long and healthy life for your bluespotted Corydoras.
This care guide will teach you everything you need to know to provide the best possible environment for your fish.
Provide Perfect Size Aquarium Tank
The first thing you need to do is provide a perfect-size aquarium tank for your Bluespotted Corydoras. These fish are relatively small, so they don’t require a large tank.
A 20-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of these fish. You will need a bigger tank if you want to keep a larger group.
The aquarium should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent the fish from jumping out. It’s also essential to have a filter and a heater in the tank to maintain the water quality and temperature.
Setup the Aquarium Tank
After you have chosen the perfect size aquarium tank, it’s time to set it up. Start by adding a layer of gravel to the bottom of the tank.
Next, you need to add some plants and decorations. Be sure to leave plenty of open space for the fish to swim around.
Adding a piece of driftwood or a rock cave for the fish to hide in is also a good idea.
Once you have added all the plants and decorations, fill the tank with dechlorinated water.
Install a Filter and Heater
As mentioned earlier, having a filter and heater in the aquarium tank is essential. The filter will help to keep the water clean, and the heater will maintain the water temperature.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing the filter and heater.
Cycle the Tank
After you have set up the aquarium tank, you need to cycle it before adding any fish.
The cycling process takes about 6-8 weeks and involves adding bacteria to the tank to break down ammonia and nitrites.
There are several ways to cycle a tank. The most common method is to use live plants or fishless cycling.
Once the tank is cycled, you can add your Bluespotted Corydoras.
Feeding Your Fish
Now that you have your fish, it’s time to learn about feeding them. These fish are omnivorous, which means they eat plants and meat.
A good diet for Bluespotted Corydoras includes flakes, pellets, live food, and frozen food. Be sure to offer a variety of foods to ensure a well-rounded diet.
It’s also important to feed your fish several times a day. These fish have small stomachs, so they can only eat small amounts of food at a time.
Overfeeding can lead to obesity and other health problems, so be sure to only give your fish as much food as they can eat in 2-3 minutes.
My Recommendation on food brand
I recommend using TetraMin Tropical Flakes. I’ve been using this food for years, and my fish are healthy and happy.
TetraMin Tropical Flakes is a complete and balanced diet for all tropical fish. The flakes are made with real shrimp and other natural ingredients.
This food is rich in vitamin C, vital for a fish’s immune system. The flakes are also easy to digest and won’t pollute the water.
Water Quality and Maintenance
It’s crucial to maintain the water quality in the aquarium tank. Be sure to do a weekly water change of 20-30%.
You should also test the water regularly for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. These levels should be kept at 0 ppm.
If you notice any changes in the water quality, be sure to take action immediately.
Optimal Tank Conditions
Bluespotted Corydoras are a peaceful and hardy fish species that are a great addition to any freshwater aquarium. These fish are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep them healthy and happy.
By following these simple tips, you can provide your Bluespotted Corydoras with the optimal tank conditions they need to thrive.
| Water Type: | Freshwater |
| Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
| Water Temperature: | 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Substrate: | Gravel |
| Tank Setup: | Aquarium with a tight-fitting lid, filter, and heater |
| Acidity: | pH 6.5-7.5 |
| Water Hardness: | Soft to Medium |
| Salinity: | 0 ppm |
| Filter: | Canister or Hang-on-back |
| Bubbler: | Optional |
| Lighting: | LED or fluorescent |
| Water Heater: | Required |
How many Bluespotted Corydoras can be kept in a tank?
A 20-gallon tank is a minimum size recommended for keeping Bluespotted Corydoras, and this species can be controlled in groups of 6 or more individuals.
These fish may become stressed when kept in smaller groups and fall prey to diseases.
A 20-gallon tank will allow your Corydoras plenty of room to swim and hide and allow you to include other fish species in their tank.
Tank Mates
Corydoras are a peaceful, sociable species that do well in community tanks. They are often kept with other small fish, such as tetras, rasboras, and danios.
When choosing tank mates for Corydoras, it is essential to consider the size of the fish and their temperament.
Corydoras are relatively small fish, so they should not be kept with larger species that could view them as potential prey.
In addition, Corydoras are peaceful fish and do best when kept with other temperate species.
Some good tank mates for Corydoras include:
- Tetras (such as neon tetras or cardinal tetras)
- Rasboras (such as harlequin rasboras or scissortail rasboras)
- Danios (such as zebra danios or leopard danios)
- Barbs (such as cherry barbs or tiger barbs)
- Gouramis (such as pearl gouramis or dwarf gouramis)
- Catfish (such as otocinclus catfish or Corydoras catfish)
Now you know some excellent tank mates for Corydoras, you can start planning your community tank!
Breeding Your Bluespotted Corydoras
If you’re interested in breeding your own Bluespotted Corydoras, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
First, it’s essential to choose healthy, robust fish for breeding. These fish should have bright colors and be free of any physical defects.
Once you’ve selected your breeding stock, you’ll need to set up a breeding tank. This tank should have soft, slightly acidic water and plenty of hiding places for the fry (baby fish) to hide once they’re born.
To induce spawning, you can try raising the water temperature in the breeding tank by a few degrees. You can also try feeding your fish live foods or brine shrimp to encourage them to spawn.
Once the female fish are ready to lay their eggs, they will do so on a flat surface in the tank. The male fish will then fertilize the eggs.
After fertilizing the eggs, it’s essential to remove the parents from the tank. This is because they may eat their own fry (baby fish).
The eggs will hatch after about 5-7 days, and the fry will be free-swimming a few days later. At this point, you can start feeding them baby brine shrimp or crushed flake food.
With proper care, your fry should proliferate and be ready to breed themselves in about 6-8 months.
How to Add Bluespotted Corydoras to Your Aquarium Tank?
Adding Bluespotted Corydoras to your aquarium tank is a great way to add color and variety to your fish collection.
These colorful little fish are perfect for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Here are some tips on how to add Bluespotted Corydoras to your aquarium tank:
Choose a healthy Bluespotted fish
When choosing a bluespotted corydoras for your aquarium tank, selecting a healthy fish with no visible signs of illness or disease is essential.
You can ask your local fish store employee for help selecting a healthy fish. Once you have chosen a healthy fish, it is important to acclimate your fish to its new environment.
Release the polythene bag into the tank of water
To acclimate your fish, simply float the sealed polythene bag that your fish came in on top of the water in your aquarium tank.
After about 15 minutes, open the bag and allow some water from your aquarium tank to enter the bag.
After another 15 minutes, release the bluespotted Corydoras into your aquarium tank.
Monitor your fish
Once you have added your Bluespotted Corydoras to your aquarium tank, monitoring your fish for signs of stress or illness is essential.
Signs of fish stress or illness include listlessness, appetite loss, and abnormal swimming behavior.
If you notice these signs in your fish, contact your local fish store or a qualified veterinarian for help.
With care and attention, your Bluespotted Corydoras will thrive in your aquarium tank for many years!
History And First Sighting
The first recorded sighting of Corydoras blue was in 1826 by Müller. He gave the fish the name Corydoras melanopterus, which translates to a black-winged corridor.
This is likely due to the black stripes that run down the length of its body. The species was then lost to science until it was rediscovered in the wild in 1961.
The Bluespotted Corydoras is a peaceful, hardy fish that significantly adds to any community aquarium.
These little fish are native to South America’s freshwater streams and rivers. They are typically found in areas with muddy substrates and plenty of vegetation.
Which Reasons You Should Keep Bluespotted Corydoras in Your Aquarium?
Bluespotted Corydoras are a peaceful, colorful addition to any community aquarium.
These little fish are perfect for beginner aquarists and experienced hobbyists alike. Here are some of the reasons you should keep Bluespotted Corydoras in your aquarium:
They help keep the tank clean – Corydoras are natural scavengers and will help keep your aquarium clean by eating uneaten food and algae.
They add color and variety to the tank – Bluespotted Corydoras are a beautiful addition to any aquarium, with their bright blue spots and lively personality.
They’re easy to care for – Corydoras are very easy to care for and tolerant of different water conditions.
They’re great for beginners – Corydoras is an excellent fish for beginner aquarists because they’re so easy to care for.
If you’re looking for a colorful, low-maintenance fish for your aquarium, look no further than the Bluespotted Corydoras!