Sixray Corydoras Complete Care Guide: Size, LIfespan & Diet

Sixray Corydoras is a freshwater fish of the Callichthyidae family. About 25 species of Cory catfish exist, but Sixray Corydoras are the most popular in aquariums.

They look a lot like the Emerald catfish; this fish is hardier and easier to care for than others.

It can fit into almost any freshwater habitat and is a tremendous favorite fish among aquarists due to its lively nature and relatively easy care.

Sixray Corydoras are bottom-dwelling scavengers that help clean the tank by eating leftover food and detritus.

In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know to properly care for your Sixray Corydoras, including tank size and setup, diet and nutrition, lifespan, and more.

So if you’re thinking of adding a Sixray corydoras to your freshwater aquarium, read on for everything you need to know!

What is Sixray Corydoras?

What is Sixray Corydoras?

The Sixray Corydoras is a freshwater fish that is native to South America. It is a member of the family Callichthyidae, which contains armored catfishes.

The Sixray Corydoras comes from the six vertical bars that run along its body. These fish are typically found in slow-moving rivers and streams with sandy bottoms.

The Sixray Corydoras is a peaceful fish that is often kept in aquariums. These fish are omnivorous and will eat just about anything that fits into their mouths.

In the wild, the Sixray Corydoras is usually found in schools. In aquariums, these fish can be kept singly or in groups. If you keep them in groups, it is best to have at least six of them.

The Sixray Corydoras is a hardy fish that is not difficult to care for. These fish are not particular about water conditions but prefer a tank with plenty of hiding places.

They are straightforward to breed in captivity. The fry (baby fish) is tiny, and they need to be fed baby brine shrimp or other small foods.

The Sixray Corydoras is a beautiful fish that makes a great addition to any aquarium. These fish are peaceful, hardy, and easy to care for.

If you are looking for a new fish to add to your aquarium, the Sixray Corydoras is an excellent choice.

Species overview of Sixray Corydoras

Species overview of Sixray Corydoras
Scientific Name: Aspidoras pauciradiatus
Common Name:Sixray Corydoras, Three-Lined Corydoras
Family: Callichthyidae
Max Size: 2.5″
Depth: 3-16′
Distribution: South America; Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and French Guiana.
Diet: Omnivore. Feeds on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and plant matter in the wild
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: No
Life Span: 5-8 years
Aquarium Environment: Freshwater, Bog/ marginal
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Tank Temperature: 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit
Water Movement: Moderate to high
Tank Setup: Aquarium with gravel substrate and hiding places
Water Conditions: 6.0-8.0, Soft to Moderately Hard, Slightly Acidic to Neutral
Compatibility: Corydoras are peaceful community fish

Sixray Corydoras (Aspidoras pauciradiatus) is a peaceful community fish that originates from South America.

It is a member of the Callichthyidae family, which includes other well-known aquarium favorites such as the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus).

The Sixray Corydoras comes from the six vertical dark bars that run along its body. These bars are a good way to distinguish it from other similar-looking Corydoras species.

In the wild, the Sixray Corydoras is found in Peru, Brazil, Colombia, and French Guiana in freshwater habitats such as rivers, streams, and lakes.

It is a bottom-dweller that feeds on small insects, worms, crustaceans, and plant matter.

The Sixray Corydoras is an easy fish to care for in the aquarium and is compatible with most other peaceful community fish. It does best in an aquarium with gravel substrate and hiding places.

The Sixray Corydoras is a hardy fish that can tolerate many water conditions. However, it prefers soft water to moderately challenging and slightly acidic water to neutral.

They are abundant in the wild and are more readily available than other live fish. Owning this fish can cost approximately $3-$5 per fish.

Why are you waiting? Go to any aquarium store near you and buy them now to have a peaceful and lovely environment in your aquarium?

Main Key Facts:

  • Experience Required: None
  • Size: 2.5 inches (6.4 cm)
  • Colour Forms: Black, Brown, Gold, Green, Grey, Tan
  • Tank Size: 30 gallons (114 liters)
  • Tank Temperature: 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit (22-26 degrees Celsius)
  • Water Hardness: Soft to Moderately Hard

Pros And Cons Of Sixray Corydoras

Pros And Cons Of Sixray Corydoras

The Sixray Corydoras is a beautiful and peaceful fish that is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginner fish keepers.

These fish are also very hardy and can tolerate many water conditions. However, before adding them to your aquarium, there are a few things to consider.

Pros
  • Easy to care for

  • Peaceful community fish

  • Hardy and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions

  • More readily available than other live fish

  • Affordably priced

Cons
  • Maybe outcompeted for food by larger or more aggressive fish

  • Can be sensitive to changes in water parameters

  • May succumb to diseases if water conditions are not ideal

  • Not reef compatible

When choosing any fish for your aquarium, it is essential to research their specific needs and whether or not they will be compatible with the other fish in your tank.

All about Sixray Corydoras

All about Sixray Corydoras

Although these fish are easy to care for, there is still much to know about them.

You can ask questions about any subject that is still to be known. So listen, you still don’t know much about these fish’s appearance, exact size, life span, and growth rate.

In this section, I will describe everything for beginner aquarists like you. So let’s start together!

Appearance

They have six vertical bars on their body which look very nice when viewed from the distance of the tank. So let’s proceed with the appearance of this fish at the beginning.

The first thing to notice about the appearance of these fish is their unique coloration. These fish are silver in color with six vertical black bars running down their body.

The top two bars are usually the darkest, while the bottom four tend to be lighter. Some specimens may also have a golden chain pattern on their flanks.

These fish have small, triangular heads and large eyes. They also have a very long anal fin that runs their body length. The last few rays of these fins are often filamentous.

The pectoral and dorsal fins are also quite long, and the caudal peduncle is relatively thick.

This fish has 2 barbels under the mouth, which help them to find food in the gravel.

White and black stripes can be observed all over this fish’s body, dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail. The head is black, with a white line running from the mouth to the eye.

The body is compressed and elongated, allowing them to swim quickly in short bursts when necessary. Females are usually larger and heavier-bodied than males.

Males also tend to have longer fins, particularly the dorsal and anal fins.

Color Varieties

Now that we know a little more about the appearance of these fish let’s talk about the available different color varieties.

The most common color variety is the silver Sixray Corydoras, the type we just described. However, there are also gold, albino, and leopard varieties available.

The gold Sixray Corydoras is very similar to the silver variety, but as the name suggests, they are a golden color instead of silver. These fish also have the same black vertical bars running down their body.

The albino Sixray Corydoras is also similar in appearance to the silver variety, but they lack black vertical bars. Instead, they have white or cream-colored bodies with red or orange eyes.

The leopard Sixray Corydoras is the unique looking of the bunch. These fish have a silver body with large black spots covering their entire body.

Size and Life Span

All are readily known, but there is considerable variation in their size and life span because Sixray Corydoras are so researched in the wild.

However, since they became popular in the aquarium trade, a 2017 report on their size and lifespan was published. So, let’s take a look at what they found!

The average size of these fish is between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (6.4-8.9 cm). However, some specimens have been known to reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length.

As for their lifespan, the average Sixray Corydoras will live for 5-7 years. However, some individuals have been known to live for 10 years or more in captivity.

Growth Rate

Sixray Corydoras are fast-growing fish and can reach their full size within a year or two. However, their growth rate will vary depending on the quality of their diet and environment.

For example, fish that are well cared for and have a good diet will grow faster than those that are not.

Additionally, Sixray Corydoras that are kept in crowded tanks may also experience stunted growth due to competition for food.

Behavior

Now that we know a little more about these fish’s appearance and care let’s talk about their behavior.

Sixray Corydoras are peaceful fish that do well in groups. They are often seen shoaling together in the wild.

These fish are also relatively active and swim around the tank for food. However, they are not known to be fin nippers or bother other tank mates.

One thing to remember is that Sixray Corydoras are bottom dwellers and prefer to stay close to the substrate.

Therefore, providing them with a tank with plenty of hiding spots and places to explore is important.

Now you know all about Sixray Corydoras! These peaceful, active fish make a great addition to any community tank.

Be sure to provide them with plenty of hiding spots and a good quality diet, and they will thrive in your care.

The Personality of the Sixray Corydoras

Add The Personality of the Sixray Corydorasheading

Every fish has its personality, and the Sixray Corydoras is no different. You may not believe that this little fish can have a character again.

Then you may have never researched this topic before. Today I will discuss their five personalities in more detail.

The Outgoing One

The outgoing one is the most social of the Sixray Corydoras. It is always ready to explore and meet new friends.

It is not afraid to be the first to start a conversation and will often be seen as the group’s leader.

This fish is always up for a good time and loves to play. It is also the most likely to accept new tank mates.

The outgoing one is an excellent addition to any tank and will bring happiness to everyone around it.

The Active One

The active one is always on the move and loves to explore. It is constantly looking for new things to do and see.

This fish is very playful and loves to play with its tank mates. It is also the most likely to start a game of chase.

The active one is an excellent addition to any tank and will keep everyone entertained.

The Shy One

The Shy One of the Sixray Corydoras is one of the shyest and retiring personalities in the world of freshwater aquarium fish.

This little fish is easily intimidated by larger, more aggressive fish and often hides away in a quiet corner of the tank.

If you are looking for a peaceful community fish that won’t cause any trouble, the Shy One is a good choice.

However, because of its shy nature, the Shy One may not be very active and may not show itself much.

If you want a more active fish, you might want to choose another species.

Good Swimmers

All of the Sixray Corydoras are good swimmers. They have long fins that help them move quickly through the water.

Their torpedo-shaped bodies make them sleek and fast. They can easily outswim most other fish in the tank.

If you are looking for a fish that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Sixray Corydoras is a good choice.

These fish are also good jumpers, so you must make sure your tank has a lid.

Great Parents

If you are looking for a fish that makes a great parent, look no further than the Sixray Corydoras.

There you have it, the five personalities of the Sixray Corydoras. As you can see, this little fish is full of character.

No matter what type of fish you are looking for, the Sixray Corydoras is sure to have a personality that will fit your needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Go out and get yourself a Sixray corydoras today!

Care guide for Sixray Corydoras

Care guide for Sixray Corydoras

Now that you know about the Sixray Corydoras, it’s time to learn how to care for them.

These fish are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you need to know to keep them happy and healthy.

Here are a few tips for caring for your Sixray Corydoras:

Aquarium Tank Setup

The Sixray Corydoras is a freshwater fish, so you’ll need to set up your aquarium with a freshwater tank. These fish prefer tanks that are at least 20 gallons in size.

When setting up your tank, include plenty of hiding places and vegetation. Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, so they will appreciate plants that grow close to the bottom of the tank.

Perfect Water Conditions

These fish are susceptible to water conditions, so they must maintain perfect water conditions in their tank.

Be sure to test your water regularly and take steps to keep the pH level between 6.5 and 7.5.

You should also keep the temperature of the water between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Feeding Of Sixray Corydoras

  • Protein — 0.20%
  • Fat —— 0.4%
  • Fiber —- 1.8%
  • Moisture — 57%

Feeding is the most crucial aspect of caring for any pet, and Sixray Corydoras are no different. These fish need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat.

You can feed your Sixray Corydoras live foods, such as brine shrimp or bloodworms. You can also feed them freeze-dried foods, such as:

  • Crickets
  • Mealworms
  • Waxworms
  • Beetles

You should feed your Sixray Corydoras twice a day, giving them as much food as they can eat in one sitting. These fish have small stomachs, so they can’t eat much at once.

Overfeeding can lead to health problems, so be sure only to give them as much food as they can eat in one sitting.

My Recommendation on food brand

I recommend TetraFin Goldfish Flakes. This food is high in protein and low in fat, which is perfect for Sixray Corydoras. The flakes are also small enough for these fish to eat easily.

TetraFin Goldfish Flakes can be found at most pet stores and online retailers.

Habitat And Ecology

The six-ray Corydoras is a freshwater fish found in South America’s streams and rivers. The fish is named for the six rays on its dorsal fin.

The fish has a brown or olive coloration with black spots on its body. The six-ray Corydoras grows to a length of about four inches.

The fish is found in tropical climates and prefers warm waters with a moderate current. The six-ray Corydoras is an omnivore and feeds on small insects, crustaceans, and plants.

The fish breeds in the spring and summer months. The female six-ray Corydoras lays up to 200 eggs, which the male then fertilizes. The eggs hatch in about two weeks, and the fry are cared for by the parents.

The six-ray Corydoras is not considered a threatened species and is found in many aquariums worldwide.

Tank Conditions

Water type: Freshwater
Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger
Water Temperature: 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit
Substrate: Fine gravel or sand
Tank Setup: Aquarium with plants and hiding places
Acidity: 6.5-7.5 pH
Water Hardness: Soft to medium hardness
Salinity: 0ppm
Filter: Canister or hang-on-back filter
Bubbler: Optional
Lighting: Regular aquarium lighting
Water Heater: Optional

When keeping six-ray Corydoras in the home aquarium, it is essential to create a habitat that closely resembles their natural environment. 

The tank should be at least 20 gallons and filled with fresh water. The water should have a temperature of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH of 6.5-7.5. 

The substrate should be fine gravel or sand, and the aquarium should be decorated with plants and hiding places. A canister or hang-on-back filter will provide adequate filtration.

Regular aquarium lighting is sufficient for six-ray Corydoras. A water heater is optional but may be necessary to maintain the desired water temperature.

Following these guidelines, you can create a six-ray corydoras tank that closely resembles their natural habitat and provides the ideal conditions for these peaceful and exciting fish.

How Many Can Sixray Corydoras Be Kept In A Tank?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the size of the tank and the number of other fish that are being kept.

As a general rule of thumb, keeping one six-ray Corydoras per five gallons of water is recommended. So, for a 20-gallon tank, four six-ray Corydoras could be controlled.

It is also essential to consider the other fish being kept in the tank. Six-ray Corydoras are peaceful fish and should not be kept with fish that are aggressive or larger than them.

Tank Setup For Sixray Corydoras

Tank Setup For Sixray Corydoras

As mentioned before, Sixray Corydoras are schooling fish, so it’s essential to provide them with a tank that can accommodate their social needs.

A group of six should be kept in an aquarium that’s at least 20 gallons in size. The tank should also have plenty of hiding places and plant life for the fish to explore.

Corydoras are bottom-dwellers, so a sand substrate is ideal. You can also add rocks and driftwood to the aquarium to provide additional hiding places.

Be sure to include a filter and heater in the tank. Sixray Corydoras prefer water that’s between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit and a neutral pH.

When setting up your tank, it’s best to acclimate the fish to their new environment slowly.

Start by adding a small amount of water from the aquarium to their bag and then release them into the tank. Allow them some time to adjust before adding more fish.

Sixray Corydoras are peaceful fish that can coexist with various tank mates. Some good options include other schooling fish, such as tetras and rasboras.

You can also add some peaceful bottom-dwellers, like loaches and plecos. Just be sure to do your research to ensure all the fish in your aquarium are compatible.

With proper care, Sixray Corydoras can thrive in the home aquarium. These active fish are a delight to watch and make great additions to any community tank.

Tank Mates For Sixray Corydoras

Tank Mates For Sixray Corydoras

While the Sixray Corydoras is a peaceful fish, it can be shy around other fish that are too active. The Sixray Corydoras is also known to be jumpy, so it’s important to have a lid on your aquarium.

The best tank mates for a Sixray corydoras are other peaceful bottom-dwelling fish, such as:

  • Another Sixray corydoras
  • Peppered Corydoras
  • Bronze corydoras
  • Albino corydoras
  • Panda corydoras

In terms of size, the Sixray Corydoras is a small fish, so it’s essential to choose tank mates that are also small. This will help reduce the risk of aggression and ensure that everyone has enough to eat.

If you’re looking for fish that are a little more active, consider these options:

  • Neon tetras
  • Guppies
  • Platies
  • Mollies

Just be sure to avoid fish known to be fin nippers, such as tiger barbs. These fish can cause stress and even injury to the Sixray Corydoras.

Now you know some of the best tank mates for a Sixray corydoras. With careful planning, you can create a beautiful and peaceful aquarium that everyone will enjoy.

Breeding Your Sixray Corydoras

Breeding Your Sixray Corydoras

If you’re looking to breed your Sixray Corydoras, there are a few things you’ll need to do to give them the best chance of success.

First, you’ll need to provide them with a well-aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a soft, sandy substrate.

You should also add some live plants to the aquarium, as this will help to create a more natural environment for the fish and provide them with some necessary cover.

Sixray Corydoras are typically pretty easy to trigger when it comes to breeding. You can do this by raising the aquarium’s water temperature to around 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the water has reached this temperature, you should see the fish begin to spawn. The female will lay her eggs on a plant leaf or decor piece, and the male will fertilize them.

After spawning, you can remove the parents from the aquarium if you wish. The eggs will hatch in about four days, and the fry will be free-swimming a week after that.

You can feed them small live foods or commercially available fry food until they are large enough to eat regular-sized aquarium foods.

With proper care, your Sixray Corydoras should do well and provide you with many hours of enjoyment.

Common disease Sixray Corydoras

One of the most common diseases Corydoras fish can get called “Cory spots.”

This disease is caused by bacteria and can be treated with antibiotics. However, it’s crucial to catch it early, as it can quickly kill your fish.

Symptoms of Cory’s spots include:

  • White spots on the body
  • Redness or inflammation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fluid buildup in the abdomen

If you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your fish to the vet as soon as possible. With treatment, most fish will make a full recovery.

Another common disease that can affect Corydoras fish is “gill flukes.” This disease is caused by a parasitic flatworm and can be treated with medication.

Symptoms of gill flukes include:

  • Gasping for air at the surface of the water
  • Reddened or inflamed gills
  • Loss of appetite
  • Excessive mucus production

If you notice any of these symptoms, you must take your fish to the vet as soon as possible. With treatment, most fish will make a full recovery.

Corydoras fish are relatively hardy and don’t often get sick. However, it’s essential to be aware of the signs of common diseases so that you can take action quickly if necessary.

With proper care, your fish should remain healthy and happy for many years.

How to prevent disease Sixray Corydoras

Corydoras fish are relatively hardy and don’t often get sick. However, you can do a few things to help prevent disease in your fish.

First, providing them with a clean and well-maintained aquarium is essential. Be sure to do regular water changes and keep the tank clean.

It’s also a good idea to feed your fish a high-quality diet and to avoid overfeeding them. This will help to keep their immune system strong and help them to fight off any potential diseases.

Finally, it’s a good idea to quarantine new fish before adding them to your tank. This will help to ensure that they are healthy and free of any diseases before they come into contact with your other fish.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your fish stay healthy and happy for many years.

How to Add Sixray Corydoras to Your Aquarium Tank?

How to Add Sixray Corydoras to Your Aquarium Tank?

Adding Sixray Corydoras to your aquarium tank is a great way to provide your fish with the extra company.

These small, peaceful fish are native to South America and are known for their social behavior. Corydoras are also very easy to care for, making them ideal candidates for beginner aquarists.

Here’s everything you need to know about adding Sixray Corydoras to your aquarium tank:

Choose a peaceful community tank

While Sixray Corydoras are small and peaceful, they should not be kept with fish that are much larger than them.

They will also do best in a well-planted aquarium tank where they can hide among the plants if they feel threatened.

Corydoras are social creatures and do best when kept in groups of six or more. So, ensure you have enough space in your tank to accommodate a small school of these fish.

Prepare the tank before adding your fish

Before adding any fish to your aquarium tank, it’s essential to take some time to prepare the tank properly.

Start by testing the water to ensure that the pH and ammonia levels are within the ideal range for Corydoras.

You should also cycle the tank before adding your fish. Cycling the tank means allowing it to fill with bacteria that will help break down waste products in the water.

This process can take anywhere from four to six weeks, so be patient and don’t add your fish until the tank is fully cycled.

Introduce your fish to the tank slowly

Once the tank is prepared, it’s time to add your Sixray Corydoras.

Start by slowly acclimating them to the new water by floating the bag they came in on top of the tank for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, open the bag and let some of the water from the tank inside. Continue doing this every five minutes until the fish have had a chance to adjust to the new water temperature.

After the fish have acclimated, you can release them into the tank.

Watch them closely for the first few days to ensure they adjust well to their new home.

Provide hiding places and plenty of food

As we mentioned, corydoras are social creatures who do best in groups. They also like to have plenty of places to hide, so make sure your tank has plenty of plants or other hiding places.

These fish are bottom-feeders, so they will appreciate a variety of foods that sink to the bottom of the tank. Offer them a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, and live or frozen foods.

Sixray Corydoras are hardy fish that are not difficult to care for. Following these simple tips can provide them with a happy and healthy home.

Which Reasons Should You Keep Sixray Corydoras in Your Aquarium?

There are a lot of reasons to keep Sixray Corydoras in your aquarium. They are peaceful and calm fish that make great tank mates for other species.

They are also very active and love to swim in the water, making them enjoyable to watch. In addition, they are easy to care for and do not require special attention or care.

Here are some of the reasons why you should keep Sixray Corydoras in your aquarium:

  • They are peaceful and calm fish that make great tank mates for other species.
  • They are very active and love to swim in the water, making them enjoyable to watch.
  • They are easy to care for and do not require special attention or care.
  • They are hardy fish that can withstand some changes in water conditions.
  • They are relatively cheap and easy to find.

If you are looking for a peaceful and low-maintenance fish to add to your aquarium, then Sixray Corydoras are a great option.

They are easy to care for, fascinating to watch and make great tank mates for other fish. Give them a try today!

History And First Sighting

The first recorded sighting of the Sixray Corydoras was in South America in the early 1800s.

They were first collected and brought to Europe in 1823 by German naturalist Karl Friedrich von van der Velde.

The fish became popular among aquarists in the United Kingdom in the late 1800s.

Today, Sixray Corydoras are one of the most popular freshwater fish among aquarists worldwide.

The Summary

The Sixray Corydoras is a popular freshwater fish among aquarists around the world. They are peaceful and calm fish that make great tank mates for other species.

They are also very active and love to swim in the water, making them enjoyable to watch. In addition, they are easy to care for and do not require special attention or care.

If you are looking for a peaceful and low-maintenance fish to add to your aquarium, then Sixray Corydoras are a great option. Give them a try today!

Similar Posts