Cat-eLog Right Arrow Callichthyidae Right Arrow Corydoradinae Right Arrow Corydoras

Jump to next section Cat-eLog Data Sheet
Scientific Name Corydoras metae  Eigenmann, 1914
Common Names Bandit Cory
Masked Cory, Meta River Cory, Panzerwels/Corydoras - Catfish (Germany)
Type Locality Barrigona, Río Meta, Colombia.
Pronunciation Kory DOOR ass - MEH tay
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. Named after the Rio Meta, from which it was collected.
Articles
Article - CotM 1997 January
Jump to next section Species Information
Size 50mm or 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.

C. metae is often confused with C. melini (which has an unbroken black stripe from dorsal to caudal fins, C. metae has no colour on its caudal fin or mid-body flanks) and occasionally C. davidsandsi (Lighter, more orange basic colouration and slightly more elongate body). There is also an ''imitator'' long-snouted species (C. simulatus).
Sexing Females are slightly larger (especially when viewed from above) than males.
Jump to next section Habitat Information
Distribution Colombia: Rios Meta, Guaviare, Ocoa & Manacacias.
Orinoco, Middle Orinoco, Meta (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Orinoco, Upper Orinoco, Guaviare (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Orinoco, Middle Orinoco, Meta, Manacacias (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Orinoco, Middle Orinoco, Meta, Ocoa (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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pH 6.5 - 7.5
Temperature 21.0-24.0°C or 69.8-75.2°F (Show species within this range)
Jump to next section Husbandry Information
Feeding Will take prepared foods happily, but breeding condition will require bloodworm or other insect larvae.
Furniture Open gravel swimming space preferably shaded by large broadleaf plants. A large open cave for refuge also helps settle in these fish. They may sit inactive for periods of time when resting, but will always venture forth for food.
Compatibility An ideal community fish.
Suggested Tankmates All Corydoras should be kept in groups of at least 6 of the same species. Otherwise compatible with most other types of fish that are reasonably peaceful, as long as they don't see a Corydoras as a snack.
Breeding Around 20-30 eggs are produced, these are laid slowly in clutches and carried by the female in a ''pouch'' formed by her pelvic fins. They are carried to the underside of broad leaves or sometimes the aquarium glass and deposited carefully.
Breeding Reports There are 11 breeding reports, read them all here.
Jump to next section Further Information
References Ind. Univ. StudiesNo. 23 - pp230
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Last Update 2013 Jul 19 12:24 (species record created: 2001 Apr 25 00:00)