Network Cory Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Network Cory, Corydoras reticulatus, is named for the delicate dark reticulated pattern that crosses its pale body. Fine lines form a net-like design across the flanks, while darker markings around the head and dorsal region give this small catfish a distinctive, intricate appearance.

Like other Corydoras, it has a compact, armoured body, prominent eyes and pairs of sensitive barbels around the mouth. These barbels help it investigate the bottom and locate food, and are especially important in the dim, leaf-strewn environments where the species evolved.

Network Corys are peaceful, sociable fish that spend much of their time exploring the substrate in a busy, endearing fashion. They regularly rest together, forage in small groups and occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, a normal behaviour made possible by their ability to use the intestine for supplementary respiration.

In the wild, this species is associated with quiet Amazonian streams, flooded forest margins and shallow areas with fallen leaves, submerged roots and soft sediments. Its attractive pattern provides camouflage among the broken shadows and organic debris of this habitat.

As a relatively understated member of the Corydoras group, the Network Cory is often appreciated by aquarists who enjoy observing natural bottom-dwelling behaviour. It is active without being boisterous and adds movement and character to a peaceful community aquarium.

Network Corys are native to the upper Amazon basin of South America, particularly slow-moving tributaries and forest waterways in Peru and adjoining parts of the western Amazon. Their natural habitat consists of warm, soft, usually acidic water shaded by rainforest.

A group of Network Corys should have at least 60 litres, with a footprint of around 60 by 30 cm or larger; a longer aquarium is preferable to a tall, narrow one. Use smooth fine sand or another rounded substrate that will not abrade their sensitive barbels, and provide open foraging areas alongside rooted plants, driftwood, smooth rocks, leaf litter and shaded retreats. Gentle filtration, good oxygenation and subdued areas created by floating plants or tall vegetation suit their natural habits, while the aquarium should be mature and free from sharp decor.

Network Corys reach about 5 cm (2 inches) in total length. Females are usually more robust and may approach 5.5 cm (2.2 inches), while males are generally smaller at around 4–4.5 cm (1.6–1.8 inches).

Network Corys are omnivorous bottom feeders that should receive a varied diet of high-quality sinking catfish pellets or wafers, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, daphnia, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp. Their barbels are for locating food rather than replacing a balanced diet, so food should be offered in a form that reaches the substrate. Occasional vegetable ingredients can also contribute variety, although animal-based foods are particularly useful when conditioning them for breeding.

Network Corys are suitable for peaceful community aquariums and can be kept with small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, honey gouramis, small livebearers and other gentle South American community fish. They also mix well with other calm Corydoras species when the aquarium provides enough space and groups are not overcrowded. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species and boisterous bottom dwellers that may outcompete or injure them.

Network Corys are egg-scattering spawners that can be encouraged to breed when mature fish are well conditioned with plentiful live or frozen foods. A large partial water change with slightly cooler, soft water often triggers spawning. The female carries a few adhesive eggs between her pelvic fins before placing them on aquarium glass, plant leaves or other smooth surfaces, while the male fertilises them. Adults may eat the eggs, so the eggs or breeding group should be separated; the fry hatch after roughly four to five days and can initially be fed infusoria or specially prepared fry food before progressing to microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Females are typically broader through the body, especially when viewed from above, and are often slightly longer than males. Males tend to be slimmer and smaller, with the difference becoming most apparent in mature fish.