[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Skunk Corydoras (Corydoras arcuatus)

This is a predominantly pink-bodied species with an elegant black “arch” that extends from the snout backward and upward through the eye to the front of the dorsal fin, and then along the back (but just below the top edge), all the way to the lower edge of the caudal-fin base. The Skunk Corydoras is one of several similarly patterned species that can easily be confused with each.

Other common name

• Arched Corydoras

Family

• Callichthyidae

Subfamily

• Corydoradinae

Distribution

• Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.

Size

• Up to 3in (8cm) reported for the “Super Arcuatus” morph, but usually around 2in (5cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful shoaler that looks impressive in a group.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted, particularly bottom-dwelling livefoods and sinking commercial formulations.

Aquarium

• Well planted, with open swimming areas, and fine-grained substratum. Water chemistry not critical, but excessively acid conditions must be avoided. Temperature range: 72-79°F (22-26°C).

Breeding

• The female swallows the male’s sperm and releases them from her gut onto her cupped pelvic fins, into which she has already released a few eggs. She deposits these adhesive eggs on a surface, where they will hutch 5-6 days later, depending on temperature.