Masked Corydoras All You Need To Know: Size, Types and More
Masked Corydoras is a popular freshwater catfish species found in the Meta River Basin of South America and Colombia.
They are well known in aquarium tanks due to their masked appearance, peaceful temperament, and excellent tank mate compatibility.
Masked Corydoras are so popular because they are hardy tank fish and do not require much care in an aquarium tank setup.
This article will provide everything you need to know about Masked Corydoras, including their care, size, types, and more. Keep reading to learn everything about these popular freshwater fish!
What is Masked Corydoras?
Masked Corydoras is a tropical freshwater fish belonging to the subfamily Corydoradiinae of the family Callichthyidae.
It is native to South America and can be found in the countries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
The fish is also known by its common names: bandit corydoras, masked corydoras catfish, and three-stripe Corydoras.
The Masked Corydoras is a peaceful fish that does well in a community tank. It is an active swimmer often seen at the bottom of the tank sifting through the substrate for food.
The diet of the Masked Corydoras should consist of small live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
The fish is a bottom-dweller and prefers to live in groups. It is an egg-laying species, and the female will lay her eggs on a flat surface such as a rock or piece of driftwood.
The fry will hatch after about 5-7 days and should be fed small live foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp or micro worms.
The Masked Corydoras is a hardy fish that is relatively easy to care for. It is a good choice for beginner aquarists.
Species overview of Masked Corydoras
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras metae |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Max Size: | 2.5″ |
| Depth: | 6-48″ |
| Distribution: | Widely distributed in South America |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Community |
| Reef Compatible: | No |
| Life Span: | 5-7 years |
| Aquarium Environment: | Freshwater |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
| Tank Temperature: | 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Water Movement: | Moderate |
| Tank Setup: | Freshwater with plants and hiding places |
| Water Movement: | Moderate |
| Tank Setup: | Freshwater with plants and hiding places |
| Compatibility: | peaceful community fish |
| Water Conditions: | 6.5-7.5 pH, soft to medium hardness |
The Masked Corydoras (Corydoras metal) is a freshwater fish native to South America that has become a popular aquarium fish in recent years.
As its name suggests, this species has a dark “mask” around its eyes, which gives it a distinctive appearance. This fish is relatively small, reaching a maximum size of 2.5 inches.
The Masked Corydoras is a peaceful community fish that does well in groups.
Most of the time, they like to stay at the bottom of the tank, but they will occasionally swim in the middle or top levels. This fish does best in a tank with plenty of hiding places and plants.
The Masked Corydoras is not difficult to care for and is a good choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
This species is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions and can live for 5-7 years with proper care. This will depend on how well they are looked after and their genetic makeup.
If you are thinking of adding a Masked Corydoras to your aquarium, purchase a group of at least six individuals.
This will help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings and reduce aggression. The cost per fish to add to the tank will be approximately $3.
Main Key Facts:
- Experience Required: Easy
- Temperament: Peaceful
- Aquarium Size: 20 gallon
- Cost: $3 each
Pros And Cons Of Masked Corydoras in the aquarium
You may want to consider adding a Masked Corydoras to your aquarium for several reasons.
These little fish are not only cute, but they can also help keep your tank clean. However, there are also some drawbacks to having these fish in your aquarium.
Here is a look at some of the pros and cons of Masked Corydoras so you can decide if they are suitable for your tank.
Overall, Masked Corydoras are an excellent addition to most aquariums. They are attractive fish that are easy to care for and can help keep your tank clean.
Just be sure to keep an eye on them, as they are known to jump out of tanks and can be sensitive to changes in water quality. If you provide them with the proper care, they will thrive in your aquarium.
All about Masked Corydoras
Let’s learn more about these Masked Corydoras, why this species was named masked catfish, and their behavior and growth rate.
All of them will be analyzed in this part; you keep reading.
Appearance
The Corydoras have an elongated and compressed body, with a large head and a pointed snout. The mouth is small and positioned ventrally.
They have 8-9 branched rays in the dorsal fin and 7-8 in the pectoral fins. The adipose fin is well developed, almost as long as the dorsal fin.
The anal fin has three unbranched and five branched rays. The caudal peduncle is very thin, and the caudal fin is rounded.
The body of Corydoras is usually brown or black, with some light spots on the flanks. There are also some species with a light body coloration and dark spots.
The Masked Corydoras has a black mask covering the eyes. Depending on the species, this mask can be of different sizes and shapes.
Some barbels are observed on the mouth’s surface to find food in the lower part of the tank. These barbels are very sensitive to the taste and smell of food.
Black spots can be observed from the dorsal fin to the tip of the tail. The sex of these fishes is selected according to their appearance.
The females are larger and have a more rounded belly. The males are slimmer, with longer dorsal fins and pectoral fins.
Color Varieties
Wide color varieties of Masked Corydoras are available in the fish-keeping hobby. Some of the more popular ones include:
- Albino Masked Corydoras: These fish have a pale white or pink body coloration, with red eyes. The fins are transparent.
- Goldline Masked Corydoras: As the name suggests, these fish have a gold body coloration. The black mask is also more prominent in this variety.
- Leopard Masked Corydoras: These fish have a dark body coloration, with spots that are lighter in color. The black mask is also more prominent in this variety.
- Panda Masked Corydoras: These fish have a white body coloration, with black fins and a black stripe running down the center of the body.
- Peppermint Masked Corydoras: These fish have a white body coloration, with red fins and a black stripe running down the body’s center.
Behavior
The Masked Corydoras is a peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with other temperate fish species. They are not known to be aggressive towards other fish.
These fish are bottom-dwelling and will spend most of their time close to the substrate. They are known to be active during the daytime and often rest on plants’ leaves or on rocks in the tank.
The Masked Corydoras is a social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5-6 fish. They often swim close and may form small schools in the tank.
Growth Rate
Early in life, the growth rate is meager during the first week or two. Like most animals, their growth rate will gradually increase as they reach maturity.
The average size of a full-grown Masked Corydoras is between 2.5-3.5 inches (6.5-9 cm).
However, some fish may grow larger or smaller depending on the water conditions and diet they are given.
The Personality of the Masked Corydoras
Although not much is known about these fish, their personality remains unknown to many.
As a result of not doing much research about these fish, their personalities are unknown to everyone.
In the beginning, I also did not know much information about the personality of the Masked Corydoras fish.
But after keeping it in my aquarium tank for about two years, several of their personality traits have become apparent to me.
They are very peaceful fish
These fish get along with almost all kinds of aquarium mates.
I have never seen them getting into a fight with any other fish in the tank. They are also timid by nature, so they tend to stay hidden most of the time.
They are very active during the night
I have noticed that these fish are more active during the night.
They come out to play and swim around in the tank when all the lights are off. This is probably because they feel more comfortable when it’s dark.
They love to eat
These fish are always ready to eat.
They will never miss a meal and always seem to be hungry. I have to be careful not to overfeed them because they will eat anything you give them.
They are very curious
Masked Corydoras are very curious by nature.
They are constantly exploring their surroundings and love to play with new toys. I have added several hiding places and flats in my aquarium tank for them to explore.
They are very social
Although they are shy around other fish, they are very social creatures.
I have noticed they enjoy being around other Corydoras and tend to shoal together. They also love interacting with their human caretakers and will come to the front of the tank when they see you.
Overall, the Masked Corydoras is an excellent addition to any aquarium. They are peaceful, active, and social creatures that will bring a lot of enjoyment to your life.
Care guide for Masked Corydoras
Masked Corydoras are hardy, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need care. Like all animals, they require the proper environment and diet to stay healthy and thrive.
Below I have listed everything you need to know about keeping Masked Corydoras in your aquarium.
Perfect Size Aquarium Tank
You first need to get the perfect size aquarium tank for your new fish friends. Corydoras are small bottom-dwelling fish that only grow about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) in length.
A 20-gallon (76 L) tank is enough room for a small school of these fish. You will need a more giant aquarium if you want to keep a larger school or add other fish to the tank.
The important thing is to make sure the tank has enough swimming space for your Corydoras. They are active fish that love to swim and explore their environment.
Provide Plenty of Hiding Places
Since Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, they like to have plenty of hiding places in their aquarium. Provide them with rocks, caves, and plants that they can use for shelter.
You can also add a piece of driftwood to the tank. Just make sure it is fully cured before adding it to the aquarium.
Corydoras are shy fish by nature and will feel more comfortable if they have plenty of places to hide. A stressed fish is more susceptible to disease, so providing them with a safe environment is essential.
Create a Sand or Gravel substrate
Corydoras prefer a soft sandy or gravel substrate in their aquarium. Avoid using a substrate that is too rough or sharp. This can damage their delicate barbels.
You can also add some live plants to the tank. Corydoras love to nibble on soft plant leaves, so make sure you choose plants that are safe for them to eat.
The Right Water Conditions
Masked Corydoras are native to South America, and they prefer warm water. The ideal temperature range for these fish is 72-79 degrees Fahrenheit (22-26 degrees Celsius).
You will also need to provide them with a little salt in the aquarium. This can be done by adding a small amount of marine salt to the water. The exact amount will depend on the size of your aquarium.
It is also essential to maintain good water quality in the aquarium. These fish are sensitive to ammonia and nitrites, so regular water changes are necessary. Aim to change about 20% of the water every week.
The Right Diet
Masked Corydoras are omnivores so they will eat a variety of foods. Their diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild.
You can feed them quality flake or pellet food in the aquarium as their main diet. You can supplement their diet with live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or daphnia.
Corydoras are known to be messy eaters, so removing any uneaten food from the tank is essential. A good rule of thumb is only to feed them as much as they can eat in 2 minutes.
What food can they eat?
Processed Foods: Corydoras are opportunistic feeders and will accept most processed foods, including pellets, flakes, and freeze-dried foods.
However, they should not be the only things in their diet and should be supplemented with live or frozen foods.
Plant-Based Foods: Corydoras are also known to eat plant matter so you can supplement their diet with blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, and squash.
You can also offer them algae wafers or sheets of nori.
Protein-Based Foods: Corydoras will also accept live and frozen foods, including bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and other small invertebrates.
Offer them these foods a couple of times a week as part of a varied diet.
Habitat And Ecology
The masked Corydoras is a freshwater fish found in the Amazon Basin of South America. It typically inhabits slow-moving streams and rivers with muddy bottom substrates.
This fish is also often found in flooded areas during the rainy season. The masked Corydoras is a peaceful community fish that does well in tropical freshwater aquariums and ponds.
Masked Corydoras are egg-layers and typically spawn in 6-10 fish groups. The female will lay her eggs on a flat surface, such as a leaf or piece of driftwood.
Optimal Tank Conditions
| Water Type: | Freshwater |
| Tank Size: | 20 gallons or larger |
| Water Temperature: | 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Substrate: | Gravel or sand |
| Tank Setup: | Planted with hiding places |
| Acidity: | pH 6.5-7.5 |
| Water Hardness: | Soft to hard |
| Salinity: | None required |
| Filter: | External canister or hang-on-back |
| Bubbler: | Optional |
| Lighting: | fluorescent tube lighting |
| Water Heater: | Optional but recommended |
Masked Corydoras are hardy fish and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. However, they prefer a neutral to slightly acidic pH and soft to hard water.
The ideal temperature range for masked Corydoras is 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit, but they can survive in cooler or warmer waters if necessary.
Masked Corydoras are bottom dwellers and do best with a substrate of gravel or sand. The tank should be planted with plenty of hiding places for the fish to feel secure.
An external canister or hang-on-back filter is adequate for filtration, and a bubbler is optional but can provide extra oxygenation for the water.
Masked Corydoras prefer dim lighting, so fluorescent tube lighting is ideal. A water heater is recommended but not required if the tank is kept in a warm room.
Tank Mates
Masked Corydoras are a peaceful species.
This means they are compatible tank mates with most other peaceful fish, including different species of Corydoras, tetras, rasboras, danios, and gouramis.
Some good choices for tank mates include:
- Corydoras sterbai
- Corydoras habrosus
- Corydoras paleatus
- Corydoras aeneus
- Tetra species such as neon tetras, black skirt tetras, and cherry barbs
- Rasbora species such as harlequin rasboras and scissortail rasboras
- Danio species such as zebra danios and leopard danios
- Gourami species such as honey gouramis and dwarf gouramis
Avoid keeping masked Corydoras with larger, more aggressive fish that may bully or eat them.
Some examples of fish to avoid include:
- Oscar fish
- Green terror cichlids
- Convicts
- Jack Dempsey
- Firemouth cichlids
- Texas cichlids
In summary, masked Corydoras are a peaceful, social species that does best in a community tank with other soft fish.
How many Masked Corydoras can be kept in a tank?
The recommended minimum tank size for one Masked Corydoras is 20 gallons.
However, because they are a social species, keeping them in groups of 3 or more is best. So, a 20-gallon tank could house a small group of 3-5 fish.
For each additional Masked Corydoras, add 10 gallons to the tank size. So, a 30-gallon tank could house a group of 6-10 fish, and a 40-gallon tank could accommodate a group of 11-15 fish.
When housing multiple Corydoras species together, keeping at least 2 of each species is best. This way, the fish will have companions of their kind and are less likely to be bullied by other fish in the tank.
In general, it is best to err on the side of a larger tank when keeping Corydoras, as they are active bottom-dwellers that appreciate plenty of space to swim and explore.
Breeding Your Masked Corydoras
As with most Corydoras, the best way to trigger spawning in the home aquarium is through a drastic change in water conditions.
For this species, a temperature drop of around 10 degrees Fahrenheit for two weeks usually does the trick. The adults should then be removed, as they may eat the eggs.
The eggs will hatch in 5-7 days, and the fry can be fed on finely ground flake food or commercial Corydoras fry food. Live foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia can also be offered.
As they grow, the fry should be moved to progressively larger tanks. When they reach around 1.5 inches in length, they can be considered juveniles and moved to a community tank.
With proper care, your Masked Corydoras should thrive and provide you with many years of enjoyment.
How to Add Masked Corydoras to Your Aquarium Tank?
Now that you know everything there is to know about keeping Masked Corydoras, it’s time to add them to your aquarium!
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Choose a tank size of at least 20 gallons that can accommodate three or more fish.
- Choose a filter for your tank size that offers mechanical and biological filtration.
- Choose a substrate that is dark in color and soft, such as sand or gravel.
- Plant some live plants in the tank to provide hiding places and oxygenate the water.
- Add décor to the tank, such as caves, driftwood, or rocks.
- Slowly acclimate your fish to the new tank water for over 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Add your fish to the tank and observe them closely for the next few days.
History and First Sighting
The first scientific description of the masked Corydoras was by Pieter Bleeker in 1851.
This species is found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
In the wild, the masked Corydoras inhabit slow-moving rivers and streams with sandy bottoms.
The masked Corydoras is a popular aquarium fish commercially bred in captivity since the 1970s.
Which Reasons Should You Keep Masked Corydoras in Your Aquarium?
Some aquarists believe that keeping more than one Corydoras in an aquarium is a good idea, as they can help to keep the tank clean.
Others believe these fish should be kept in pairs or small groups, as they may become aggressive if kept in more significant numbers.
The masked Corydoras (Corydoras metal) is a widespread species of aquarium fish native to South America.
This species is known for its distinct black markings on the head and body, which earned it the name “masked corydoras.”
The masked Corydoras is a peaceful fish that does well in community tanks. This species is a good choice for beginner aquarists, as they are relatively easy to care for.