Flagtail Cory Care Guide - Tank Setup, Diet & Breeding

Flagtail Cory are small, peaceful armoured catfish with the classic rounded body, underslung mouth and whisker-like barbels associated with the Corydoras genus. Their pale silver-beige body is marked with darker spotting and a distinctive contrasting pattern in the tail, giving the species its attractive flag-like appearance.

Like other corys, they are active, social fish that spend much of their time exploring the lower levels of the aquarium. They regularly sift fine substrate through their barbels in search of food, dart briefly to the surface for air and then return to their bottom-dwelling activities.

In the wild, Flagtail Cory inhabit slow-moving, shaded waterways within the Amazonian basin. Leaf litter, submerged roots and soft sediments create a complex environment with plenty of cover, while the water may be naturally tea-coloured from decaying vegetation.

This species is peaceful and generally easy to accommodate in a calm community aquarium. Its entertaining foraging behaviour and habit of resting together in small groups make it a popular choice for aquarists who want an active, characterful bottom-dweller without aggression.

Flagtail Cory are native to Brazil in South America, where they occur in the Rio Negro basin and associated forest streams. Their natural waters are typically soft, acidic and stained by dissolved leaf litter and tannins.

A group of Flagtail Cory should have at least a 60-litre aquarium, with a footprint of approximately 60 by 30 cm or larger. Use smooth fine sand or another soft, rounded substrate so their sensitive barbels are not damaged while foraging. Include driftwood, rounded stones, hardy plants and shaded areas to provide cover, while leaving open floor space for feeding and exploration. Gentle to moderate filtration, good oxygenation and regular maintenance are important; a layer of leaf litter can help recreate the character of their natural blackwater habitat.

Females reach about 5 cm (2 inches) in length, while males are usually smaller at around 4–4.5 cm (1.6–1.8 inches).

Flagtail Cory are omnivorous opportunistic feeders that need sinking food to ensure they can eat naturally on the bottom. Offer quality sinking catfish pellets or wafers alongside varied frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp and chopped blackworms. They may pick through the substrate for leftovers, but should not be expected to survive on scraps alone. Blanched vegetables can occasionally be offered as an additional source of variety, although meaty foods should form an important part of the diet.

Flagtail Cory can be kept with other peaceful, similarly sized community fish, including small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful gouramis, small livebearers and other gentle Corydoras. They are also compatible with many calm dwarf cichlids and non-aggressive freshwater shrimp, although very small shrimp fry may be eaten. Avoid large or predatory fish, fin-nippers and boisterous bottom-dwellers that may outcompete, injure or intimidate them. They should not be housed with aggressive cichlids or other territorial species.

Flagtail Cory are egg scatterers that can be bred in an aquarium. Condition a group with plentiful meaty foods such as bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp, then encourage spawning with a large change of slightly cooler, clean water. The female carries a few adhesive eggs at a time and places them on aquarium glass, plants or other smooth surfaces, while several males compete to fertilise them. Remove the adults or transfer the eggs to a separate container, as the eggs and newly hatched fry may be eaten. Eggs usually hatch after several days, and the fry can be raised on infusoria or suitably fine powdered foods before progressing to baby brine shrimp.

Females are generally larger and broader-bodied than males, especially when viewed from above. Males are slimmer and slightly shorter, while mature females often have a fuller abdomen when carrying eggs.