Agassiz's Corydoras Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Agassiz's Corydoras is a small, bottom-dwelling armoured catfish with the characteristic rounded body, underslung mouth and short barbels associated with the genus. Its body is usually pale silver to beige, marked with darker spotting and blotches, while the fins may show subtle patterning that varies between populations and individual fish.

This species is peaceful, sociable and most active when kept in a group. It spends much of its time exploring the bottom with its barbels, sifting through the substrate for edible particles, but it also regularly rises to the surface to gulp atmospheric air using the genus's specialised intestinal breathing ability.

In the wild, Agassiz's Corydoras lives among leaf litter, submerged roots and gently flowing water in the Amazon region. Seasonal changes in water level can alter the depth, current and chemistry of its habitat, while the shaded surroundings provide cover and a subdued backdrop for its patterned body.

Like other Corydoras, it is not a scavenger that should be expected to survive on leftovers alone. Its curious, expressive behaviour and habit of foraging together make it a particularly engaging choice for a peaceful community aquarium.

Agassiz's Corydoras comes from the western and upper Amazon Basin, particularly parts of Peru and Brazil in South America. It inhabits slow-moving tributaries, forest streams and quiet margins with soft, often sediment-rich substrates.

A group of Agassiz's Corydoras should have at least 60 litres of aquarium space, with a footprint of about 60 by 30 cm for a small group. Use fine, smooth sand or rounded gravel that will not damage the sensitive barbels, and provide open bottom areas for foraging alongside driftwood, leaf litter, hardy plants and shaded retreats. Gentle filtration, good oxygenation and some water movement are beneficial, while a secure lid is advisable because Corydoras can occasionally leap when startled.

Around 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) in total length. Females are typically larger and broader-bodied than males, which usually reach approximately 4.5–5 cm (1.8–2 inches).

Offer a varied diet of sinking catfish pellets or wafers, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and grindal worms. Occasional blanched vegetables can add variety, but meaty foods should form the main part of the diet. Feed enough for all the fish to eat from the bottom, rather than relying on uneaten food from other tank inhabitants.

Agassiz's Corydoras can be housed with other peaceful, similarly sized community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful livebearers, honey gouramis and other compatible Corydoras. They also mix well with calm freshwater shrimp, although newly hatched shrimp may be eaten. Avoid large or aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, boisterous tankmates and territorial bottom dwellers that may outcompete or injure them.

Agassiz's Corydoras are egg scatterers that can be conditioned for breeding with a varied, protein-rich diet followed by large changes of slightly cooler, well-oxygenated water. A female carries eggs between her pelvic fins while a male fertilises them, after which she attaches the eggs to plants, glass or other smooth surfaces. Remove the adults or protect the eggs from predation, as the eggs typically hatch in around three to five days. Feed the free-swimming fry with suitably fine foods such as powdered fry food and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Females are generally longer, deeper-bodied and noticeably fuller around the abdomen, particularly when carrying eggs. Males are usually smaller and slimmer, with a more streamlined profile.