If you’ve ever owned or kept an aquarium, then you know just how special Corydoras catfish can be. These Cory catfish types are easy to care for and incredibly hardy in terms of survivability, which makes them a great starter fish for beginners.
Not only do they provide visual interest to your tank, but they also help keep the water clean by scavenging for leftover food and debris.
But did you know that there are more than 100 different types of Cory catfish available?
In this blog post, we break down some of the most common types of Corydoras, helping you decide which ones will work best for your tank’s environment and setup!
With so many Corydora catfish types, choosing one cannot be easy!
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list that includes some of the best options for beginner aquarium hobbyists; here is our guide to the top 9 best corydoras catfish types for your aquatic paradise.
Table of Contents
ToggleHow Many Types of Cory Catfish Are There?
There are currently over 100 species of Cory Catfish, all belonging to the Callichthyidae family.
The most commonly available for sale in the aquarium hobby are the genera Corydoras, Aspidoras, and Brochis.
Some of these fish will inhabit the same tank as one another, while others will require their own space.
Before adding any Cory Catfish to your aquarium, research the species you’re interested in to ensure they will get along with the other fish.
What Are the Best Cory Catfish Types?
There are many different types of Corydoras, and they all have unique qualities that make them great for different situations.
Some of the most popular cory catfish types include the bronze cory, the green cory, and the panda cory.
Each of these three Corydora catfish types has pros and cons that make it a good choice for specific situations.
The bronze Cory is perfect type of Corydoras for beginners because it is hardy and relatively easy to care for.
The green cory is an excellent choice for those who want a more active fish, as this species is always on the move looking for food.
And finally, the panda Cory is an excellent choice for those who want a unique-looking fish in their aquarium; this species has black and white markings that are unlike any other types Cory catfish.
No matter what type of Cory Catfish you choose, they will significantly add to any aquarium!
TOP 10 Cory Catfish Types for Your Aquarium
Black Cory Catfish (Corydoras schwartzi)
The black Cory cat types are peaceful bottom-dweller that thrives in various water conditions. This species is relatively hardy and easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
Albino Cory Catfish (Corydoras aeneus)
The corydoras sterbai albino catfish is one of the most popular Corydoras species due to its striking white and yellow coloration. Sterba’s cory species is peaceful and can be kept in various environments, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Gold Laser Cory (Corydoras loxozonus)
The gold laser cory is one of the most attractive corydoras catfish species due to its bright yellow body and black markings. This type of Corydoras is very active, so it is best kept in a tank with plenty of swimming space.
Green Laser Cory (Corydoras gossei)
The green laser cory is a peaceful bottom of the tank-dweller that sports bright yellow and green stripes. This species is very active and can be kept in various environments, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda)
The panda corydoras is one of the most popular cory catfish species due to its unique black and white coloring. This species is peaceful and hardy, making it a great choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
Hard Headed Catfish (Corydoras robineae)
The hard-headed catfish is a peaceful bottom-dweller with brown and black coloration. This species is relatively hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners.
Orange Venezuelan Cory (Corydoras venezuelanus)
The orange Venezuelan cory is a peaceful bottom-dweller with exciting black and orange coloration. This species is relatively hardy and easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
Emerald Corydoras (Corydoras concolor)
The emerald cory is a peaceful bottom-dweller that sports an attractive green and yellow coloration. This species is very active and can be kept in various environments, making it a great choice for beginners.
Corydoras julii Cory
The corydoras julii is a peaceful bottom-dweller with attractive black, white, and yellow colors. False julii cory catfish species is very active and can be kept in various environments, making it a great choice for beginners.
Corydoras Blue Leopard (Corydoras trilineatus)
The blue leopard cory is a peaceful bottom-dweller that sports an interesting black, white, and dorsal fin blue coloration. This species is a very hardy fish and relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
Pygmy cory catfish (Corydoras pygmaeus)
The pygmy Corydoras is one of the smallest Cory catfish species, only reaching about 1 inch in size. This species is peaceful and hardy, making it an excellent choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists.
Now that you know more about the different types of Corydoras, it’s time to learn about the different care requirements for each type. This way, you can be sure that your fish are getting the best possible care and living in a
What Is the Most Common Cory Catfish?
The most common corydoras catfish are the bronze corydoras and the three-stripe cory. They are peaceful fish and make a great addition to any community fish tank.
They grow to a maximum size of 3 inches and can be found in most pet stores.
Bronze cory catfish are easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions. They prefer a soft, acidic water environment and do well in planted and unplanted tanks.
They are scavengers that will eat most types of food, so they are perfect for those who want an easy-to-care-for fish.
Biggest Cory Catfish
Which Cory catfish is the biggest? The Emerald Green Cory Catfish (Corydoras aeneus) is the giant Cory catfish. It can grow up to 6 inches in length.
The Emerald Green Cory is peaceful and relatively easy to care for fish. It prefers a soft, acidic water environment with plenty of places to hide and explore. It prefers a diet of small, live foods such as worms, brine shrimp, and bloodworms.
This species is tolerant of a wide range of water conditions, making it the perfect species for those looking for an easy-to-care-for fish.
Rare Corydoras Species
Rare Corydoras species are famous for fish enthusiasts looking to add diversity to their tanks. However, these fish can be challenging to find, so knowing where to look is essential.
The best place to start your search is online. Several websites sell rare Corydoras and usually have a good selection of different species.
Another option is to visit your local pet store. Not all stores carry rare Corydoras, but if you ask the staff, they may be able to order them for you.
Finally, remember the aquarium hobbyist forums. This is a great place to find breeders who may be selling or trading their rare Corydoras species.
Can You Mix Different Types of Cory Catfish?
Yes, you can mix different types of Cory catfish in the same tank as long as they have similar care requirements. They will shoal and mix peacefully.
They are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of six or more. For example, all Corydoras species need the same water parameters and similar aquarium conditions to thrive.
It’s important to do your research before mixing different types of Cory catfish, as some species may be more aggressive than others and could create problems in the tank.
Cory Catfish Diseases
Cory catfish are susceptible to certain diseases like all fish if their water quality or living conditions aren’t optimal. Some common diseases affecting Cory cat include red blotch disease, Hole Head Disease, Fish Tuberculosis, and Ich.
It’s essential to regularly test the water parameters in your tank and check for any disease symptoms. If you notice anything unusual, you must act quickly and get help from your local fish store.
You can also help prevent disease by providing your Cory catfish with a healthy diet, frequent water changes, and making sure their living conditions are as close to natural as possible.
Cory Catfish School Size
Cory catfish will form large schools in the wild, so keeping them in groups of at least six is essential. The larger the school, the more active and stress-free they will be.
It’s also essential to ensure that the tank size is big enough to accommodate the school size, as overcrowding can lead to aggression and disease.
Cory Catfish Tank Mates
Cory catfish are a peaceful species and can be kept with other small and peaceful fish such as tetras, danios, rasboras, and guppies.
Amano shrimp are a good choice for Cory catfish tank mates, as they are scavengers and help keep the tank clean.
Red cherry shrimp and Ghost shrimp are also good choices, as they are small and peaceful fish that will not harm Cory fish.
However, avoiding keeping other large or aggressive fish with Cory catfish is essential, as they may bully or harm them.
They are also great tank mates for other bottom-dwelling fish such as loaches, plecos, and dwarf shrimp. Avoid keeping them with larger fish, as they can become aggressive or scared.
Cory Catfish Price
Cory Catfish are freshwater fish that are popular in the home aquarium. They typically cost anywhere from $3 to $10 per fish, depending on the size and age of the fish.
Cory cats are generally quite affordable and can be found for as little as USD 3 per fish. Rare species such as bandit cory, corydoras paleatus, pepper cory, and skunk cory will cost more, but they are still relatively affordable compared to other fish.
Cory Catfish make a great addition to any freshwater tank and can be found at most pet stores. They are known for their playful nature and love to swim in groups.
If you’re looking for an affordable, fun-loving fish for your aquarium, peppered cory Catfish is a great option.
When buying Cory catfish, check their health before purchasing and avoid any fish that appear sick or have visible signs of disease.
Commonly Asked Questions about Different Types of Cory Catfish (FAQ)
Is 2 Cory Catfish Enough?
No, keeping only two Cory catfish in the same tank is not recommended. They should be kept in groups of at least six or more as they are schooling fish and will feel more secure in larger Corydoras catfish types.
How Big of a Tank Do Cory Catfish Need? (Cory Catfish Size Tank)
Cory Catfish need a tank of at least 30 gallons in size to provide adequate space for them to go to school.
Are Cory Catfish Nocturnal?
No, most species of Cory catfish are active during the day and will sleep at night. However, they may be more active during the evening hours when the lights are off.
How Many Cory Catfish Should You Have Together?
For the best results, keeping at least six Cory catfish in a single tank is recommended. A larger school will create a more active and stress-free environment for your fish.
What Do Cory Catfish Eat?
Cory cat types are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods. They prefer a diet rich in protein and should be fed high-quality flake, frozen, and live food such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
Are Catfish Bottom Feeders?
Cory catfish are bottom-dwelling fish and will feed on worms, insects, and other tiny organisms from the substrate. They can also be fed sinking pellets or wafers specifically designed for bottom-dwelling fish.
Are Cory Catfish Suitable For Beginners?
Cory catfish are an excellent choice for beginner aquarists as they are easy to care for and have a peaceful temperament. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive and have the added benefit of helping to keep the aquarium clean.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to add a Corydoras fish to your aquarium, any of the Cory catfish types mentioned above would be a great option. Please do some research on each one to decide which types of Cory catfish best fits your needs, and make sure to provide them with a good environment in your tank. With proper care, these Corydoras fish can bring you years of enjoyment.
You might also like
- Cory Catfish care – Types, Diet & Tankmates (Guide)
- How Many Cory Catfish Should Be Kept Together?
- What Do Cory Catfish Eat? (Corydoras Food List)
- Do Cory Catfish Eat Algae? Top 10 Best Algae Eaters (List)
- How Long Do Cory Catfish Live? – Cory Cat Lifespan (FAQ)
- 7 Best Types of Catfish for Aquarium: Boost Your Tank Beauty
- Corydoras Loxozonus 101: a Comprehensive Beginner Guide