Corydoras elegans • Callichthyidae • Cat-eLog

Cat-eLog Callichthyidae Corydoradinae Corydoras

Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name	**Corydoras elegans** Steindachner, 1876
Common Names	Elegant Cory Elegant Pansermalle (Denmark), Panzerwels/Corydoras - Catfish (Germany)
Type Locality	Amazon R. at Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil.
Synonym(s)	Corydoras pestai
Pronunciation	Kory DOOR ass - ELL ee ganz
Etymology	Cory = helmet, doras = skin. In this case it was incorrectly used to mean armour (cuirasse) instead of skin in allusion to the dual rows of plates that run along the flanks of this genus. From the Latin, elegans meaning tasteful, fine.
Articles	- CotM 2000 August
Species Information
Size	55mm or 2.2" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Identification	Corydoras are identified by their twin rows of armour plates along the flanks and by having fewer than 10 dorsal fin rays. They are most commonly confused with the other genera in the sub-family, namely Brochis, Scleromystax and Aspidoras. A very variable species not made easier to identify by the difference in colouration of mature males and females. Similar to C. napoensis, C. nanus and C. sp. CW044 (often called C. pestai), C. undulatus and a few variations thereof.
Sexing	As depicted above, the male is smaller, less high bodied, slender and more strikingly patterned.
Habitat Information
Distribution	Brazil: Rio Amazonas near Tefé, Rio Solimoes Ecuador: Rio Aguarico system, Rio Napo drainage system Peru: Rio Ucayali, Rio Ampiyacu, Rio Nanay drainage, Rio yavari, Rio Tamaya Colombia: Rio Caquetta, Rio Amazonas, Rio Solimoes Amazon, Middle Amazon (Solimoes) (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Napo, Aguarico (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Napo (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón, Ucayali (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Ampiyacu (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Nanay (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Marañón, Ucayali, Upper Ucayali, Tamaya (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Upper Amazon, Yavari (click on these areas to find other species found there) Amazon, Middle Amazon (Solimoes), Japurá, Caquetá (click on these areas to find other species found there) Log in to view species occurence data on a map.
pH	6.0 - 7.4
Temperature	22.0-25.0°C or 71.6-77°F (Show species within this range)
Other Parameters	Water composition not vital but slightly softer water within the above ranges will bring out the best colouration in the males.
Husbandry Information
Feeding	Flake, tablets. Live food such as whiteworm, bloodworm, brineshrimp and tubifex (sparingly). Frozen bloodworm is more easily supplied and seems to bring on growth in sub-adults very satisfactorily.
Furniture	This fish quite likes mid-water and so provide shady open space surrounded by low plants to provide cover and a few refuges at the outskirts of the main swimming area.
Compatibility	As for all Corys, a perfect citizen.
Suggested Tankmates	Other similar Corydoras, dwarf cichlids and tetras. A robust species that will adapt to larger peaceful tankmates. Keep in a shoal of at least 6.
Breeding	Interesting in that this fish is not reported to follow the usual Corydoras method of reproduction. Eggs are laid by the female and placed by the female in the usual manner, but the preceding T-position clinch does not occur. Fertilisation appears to occur after the eggs are placed on plants or the aquarium glass. Fry emerge after 3 days and are free swimming in another two. The fry are quite small and should be offered small foods such as microworm or powdered pre-soaked flake food. It is also reported that males become very aggressive in the lead up to spawning and no more than three are suggested.
Breeding Reports	There are 4 breeding reports, read them all here.
Further Information
References	Sitzungsber. Akad. Wiss. Wienv. 74 (1. Abth.) - pp141 [93]
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Last Update	2013 Jul 19 18:51 (species record created: 2001 Apr 30 00:00)