Corydoras Stenocephalus

Corydoras Stenocephalus

Quantity

Share:

Corydoras Stenocephalus Care Guide

The Corydoras Stenocephalus, a species of catfish native to South America, is a peaceful and hardy species commonly referred to as a “Cory.” Known for its unique appearance, characterized by a long, narrow head and an elongated body, this species makes an excellent addition to community aquariums. As a member of the Corydoras genus, they are known for their playful nature and their ability to help keep the tank substrate clean by scavenging for food.

Tank Requirements

  • Tank Size:
    • A minimum of 20 gallons is suitable for a small group (6 or more is recommended).
    • Larger groups or community tanks will require at least 30 gallons.
  • Tank Setup:
    • Soft, fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal for their sensitive barbels.
    • Provide ample hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and plants.
    • A planted tank with a variety of hiding places and open swimming space is best.
  • Lighting: Moderate; they prefer a dim environment with shaded areas to feel secure.
  • Water Flow: Gentle flow, as these catfish prefer slow-moving waters.

Water Parameters

  • Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
  • pH: 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic)
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept under 20 ppm.
  • Water Changes: Weekly water changes of 20–30% are important to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of toxins.

Diet

Corydoras Stenocephalus is an omnivorous scavenger:

  • Staple Foods:
    • High-quality sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom feeders.
  • Live/Frozen Foods:
    • Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and tubifex worms.
  • Vegetables:
    • Offer blanched zucchini, spinach, peas, or algae wafers occasionally.
  • Feeding Schedule: Feed once or twice a day, offering small amounts of food that can be consumed in a few minutes.

Behavior and Compatibility

  • Temperament:
    • Peaceful and social; Corydoras stenocephalus is best kept in groups of at least 6 to 8 individuals to reduce stress and promote natural behaviors.
    • They are bottom-dwelling fish, scavenging for food and interacting with other members of their group.
  • Tankmates:
    • Compatible with a wide variety of peaceful species such as tetras, small gouramis, peaceful cichlids, and livebearers.
    • Avoid housing with aggressive fish or very small fish that might be eaten.
  • Activity Level:
    • Active during the day, especially when there is food available. They enjoy exploring the bottom of the tank and foraging for scraps.

Breeding

Breeding Corydoras Stenocephalus can be accomplished in a well-maintained aquarium:

  1. Breeding Setup:
    • A separate breeding tank with soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.0–6.5) and a temperature of around 76–78°F is ideal.
    • Provide flat surfaces such as broad-leaved plants or glass for egg-laying.
  2. Spawning Behavior:
    • A successful breeding group will often spawn after a period of conditioning with high-quality food.
    • Females will lay eggs on the surfaces, which are fertilized by the males.
  3. Egg Care:
    • The eggs will hatch in 3–5 days, and the fry will be free-swimming within 1 week.
  4. Fry Care:
    • Feed fry with infusoria or liquid fry food until they are large enough to eat baby brine shrimp.

Common Challenges

  1. Water Quality:
    • Corydoras Stenocephalus is sensitive to poor water quality, especially high nitrate levels, so regular maintenance is critical.
  2. Barbel Damage:
    • Their sensitive barbels can be injured by rough or sharp substrates, so it’s important to provide a soft substrate like sand or fine gravel.
  3. Overfeeding:
    • Overfeeding can cause water quality issues and lead to obesity in these catfish, so be sure to offer small portions that they can eat within a few minutes.
  4. Stress in Small Groups:
    • Keeping fewer than 6 individuals can cause stress and abnormal behavior. Ensure they are kept in groups to keep them comfortable and active.

Interesting Facts

  • Like many other Corydoras species, Corydoras stenocephalus “sifts” through the substrate for food, which helps keep the tank clean.
  • They are often referred to as “dwarf” or “petite” Corys due to their smaller size compared to other species in the genus.
  • Their active, social nature and peaceful disposition make them a great choice for community tanks.

Care Summary

Aspect Details
Tank Size Minimum 20 gallons; 30+ gallons for groups
Water Parameters pH 6.0–7.5, 72–79°F, soft water
Diet Omnivorous: sinking pellets, live/frozen foods, and vegetables
Temperament Peaceful and social, best kept in groups
Lifespan 5–7 years

Corydoras stenocephalus is a charming and easy-to-care-for species, making it an ideal addition to peaceful community tanks. Their playful and social nature, combined with their unique scavenging behavior, ensures they will thrive in a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of space to explore and forage.

Related products