Mosaic Cory Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Mosaic Cory is a small, attractively patterned armoured catfish with a pale silver to warm beige body marked by dark reticulation and irregular spots. Its pattern can vary between individuals, giving the species a distinctive mosaic-like appearance, while the dark markings on the head and back add to its appeal. Like other Corydoras, it has a compact, rounded body, a forked tail and prominent barbels around the mouth.

Mosaic Corys are native to South America, particularly the Rio Guaporé basin in Brazil, within the upper Madeira drainage. They come from shallow, slow to moderately flowing waters associated with the wider Amazonian and Madeira river systems.

A group of Mosaic Corys should be kept in an aquarium of at least 75 litres, with a footprint of approximately 60 by 30 cm or larger to provide useful floor space. Use fine, smooth sand or rounded gravel that will not damage their sensitive barbels, and include open areas for foraging together with driftwood, smooth stones, hardy plants and shaded retreats. Good filtration, gentle circulation, stable water quality and a secure lid are important, while the aquarium should be mature before the fish are introduced.

Males reach about 5.5 cm (2.2 inches), while females are larger and can grow to around 6 cm (2.4 inches). These measurements include the tail and represent a typical maximum adult size in aquaria.

Mosaic Corys are omnivorous bottom-feeders that accept quality sinking catfish pellets and wafers alongside frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp and blackworm. Their barbels help them locate food on the substrate, but they should not be expected to survive on leftovers alone. Offer varied portions that reach the bottom, especially after lights out if faster midwater fish take food quickly.

Mosaic Corys are peaceful community fish and work well with similarly calm species such as small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful danios, dwarf cichlids, small gouramis and other non-aggressive Corydoras. They should not be housed with large, boisterous or predatory fish, fin-nippers, or aggressive bottom-dwellers that may outcompete or injure them. Keep them in a proper group of their own species rather than relying on unrelated catfish for company.

Mosaic Corys are egg-scattering catfish that can be bred in a separate, mature breeding aquarium. Condition a group with plentiful live or frozen foods, then encourage spawning with a series of partial water changes using slightly cooler, clean water. The female carries a few adhesive eggs between her pelvic fins before placing them on glass, plant leaves or other smooth surfaces, while several males compete to fertilise them. Remove the adults or transfer the eggs to a rearing tank, as the eggs and newly free-swimming fry may be eaten. The eggs usually hatch in around four to five days, and the fry can be started on infusoria or commercial fry food before moving on to newly hatched brine shrimp.

Females are generally broader-bodied and slightly longer than males, particularly when carrying eggs. Males are slimmer and usually a little smaller, although the difference is most apparent when the fish are viewed from above.