12 Cory Catfish Types for Aquariums (with Images)

Cory catfish species are popular among aquarists because they are hardy, easy to care for, and aren’t picky eaters, making them an excellent pick for all beginners. It is also a desirable pet fish as it keeps the tank bottom clean by eating all leftovers.

This species is pretty sociable. Even if another fish intrudes into its area, it won’t react aggressively. This is an even greater advantage for beginner aquarists as they won’t have to worry about their pet fish getting hurt.

So, if you want to know more about these species before bringing them home, dig right in!

What is Corydoras Catfish?

Cory catfish are freshwater species that belong to the genus Corydoras, family Callichthyidae, and order Siluriformes.

They are mostly found in the shallow and fast-flowing waters of South America. They are oviparous, i.e., egg-layers, and often make sounds when stressed to warn others and while courting and mating.

When stressed, cories also release a poisonous substance from their gills. These toxins can harm both themselves and other tankmates.

The mature female fish of these species is always bigger, stouter, and rounder than the male. This is specifically noticeable during the breeding season.

They are barbel fish, i.e., they have tactile bristles or spines in the jaw area. Males also rub their barbels to court females. Barbels help them detect leftovers while scavenging for food in the substrate. They also need a soft substrate so their barbels don’t get injured while exploring.

There are over 150 cory species, but only a few have been popular among tropical freshwater aquarists.

So, if you’re also interested in adding them to your collection, here are the best ones!

1. Pygmy Corydoras (Corydoras pygmaeus)

Pygmy corydoras
  • Average Size: Up to 1.9 cm (0.75 in) male; Up to 2.5 cm (1.0 in) female
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 3 years
  • Tank Level: Middle water dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful, gets intimidated easily by larger fish
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Tank Mates: Community of its own kind or other peaceful fish of similar size
  • Minimum Tank Size: 10-15 gallon tank

How does Pygmy Corydoras look?

The Pygmy Corydoras fish is silver-colored and has a continuous horizontal black line along its center from the tip of its snout and right to its caudal peduncle.

You will also notice a second thinner horizontal black line on its lower part. But this lasts only from the back of its ventral fins until the tail. Its top part has a dark grey shade from the tip of the snout to the tail.

The females are larger, rounder, and broader than the males. This difference in size becomes even more prominent when they have eggs.

Young fry have vertical stripes, but those fade as they become a month old.


2. Albino Cory Catfish (Corydoras aeneus)

Albino corydoras catfish
  • Average Size: Up to 6.0 cm (2.4 in) male; Up to 6.5 cm (2.5 in) female
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10 years or even more
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful, social
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Tank Mates: 3- 5 others of the same species
  • Minimum Tank Size: Minimum 30-gallon for a group

How does Albino Cory Catfish look?

The Albino cory catfish has a yellowish-to-pinkish body and fins. Its belly is white, and the head and back are bluish-grey.

It also has a distinct brownish-orange patch on its head behind its dorsal fin. The upper side of this fish is green.

The species is usually shy, but the males become extremely forward during courtship.


3. Panda Cory Catfish (Corydoras panda)

Pair of panda cory
  • Average Size: Up to 3.8 cm (1.5 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10 years with good care
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous, with carnivorous tendencies
  • Tank Mates: Community of 5 of its own kind or fish with similar temperament
  • Minimum Tank Size: 20-gallon

How does Panda Cory Catfish look?

The body and fins of Panda cory catfish are off-white or pinkish-orange ground color. In specific lighting, it might also show a slight green iridescence on its operculum and flanks. And, if you inspect the fins closely, it may appear glassy and translucent.

The dorsal fin has a distinct black spot that covers almost the entire fin. The caudal peduncle has a black band. The black band encircles this peduncle right from the dorsal to the ventral surface.

The adipose fin sometimes is pigmented black. Its head is the same as its body color, but there’s a black patch around its eyes. This patch descends from the fontanel vertically and makes a triangle shape that stops before the ventral surface of the head.

The pectoral fins are behind the operculum. The pelvic fins are on the ventral side, a little behind the pectoral fins.


4. Sterbai Cory Catfish (Corydoras sterbai)

Sterbai corydoras watching you
  • Average Size: Up to 5.0 cm (1.97 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10-15 years with quality tank maintenance, 7 years with poor maintenance
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous with scavenging habits
  • Tank Mates: 7 of the same species or any other peaceful small fish
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30-gallon

How does Sterby Cory Catfish look?

The sterby cory catfish has a dark brown head and body with horizontal dark spots in rows. It has an opaque tail and fins with similar colors and spots. Its head is dome-shaped. It has white spots from its eyes till the snout.

It is often confused with Corydoras haraldschultzi.


5. Julii Cory Catfish (Corydoras julii)

Two corydoras julii at the tank bottom
  • Average Size: Up to 5.0 cm (1.97 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 5-7 years with best care. Otherwise, up to 3 years
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous with scavenging habits
  • Tank Mates: A group of 3-5 of the same species
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30-gallon

How does Julii Cory Catfish look?

The Julii cory catfish has translucent white to grey skin along with fine black spotting throughout its body. It has a horizontal stripe from the back of its gills to the base of its tail.

At the top of the dorsal fin, a black blotch is present. There are six spotted bands on the tail. It also has two rows of bony plates or scutes across the length of its body.

This species is one of the most often bought among the rest.


6. Dwarf Cory Catfish (Corydoras hastatus)

Dwarf Corydoras
  • Average Size: Up to 2.5 cm (1.0 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 5 years or a little more
  • Tank Level: Middle water dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous with scavenging habits
  • Tank Mates: 7 other of the same species or other small and peaceful species
  • Minimum Tank Size: 15-gallon

How does Dwarf Cory Catfish look?

The dwarf cory catfish is much more elongated compared to others of this species. It has a translucent white to olive-green body.

From behind its gill cover to its tail root, it has a thin and dark stripe. The belly is almost white. The base of its tail has a white crescent that surrounds a black spot.


7. Emerald Cory Catfish (Corydoras splendens)

Emerald corydoras splendens at tank bed
  • Average Size: Up to 6.0 cm (2.36 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 13 years with good care
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous with scavenging habits
  • Tank Mates: 5 others of its kind, other peaceful; similar size catfish that live in different tank levels
  • Minimum Tank Size: 40-gallon

How does Emerald Cory Catfish look?

The emerald cory catfish is oval-shaped. In different lighting, it may appear bluish-green, metallic green, or bluish. The ventral surface, pectoral, ventral, and anal fins are yellowish. Dorsal, caudal, and adipose fins are translucent and brownish.

The female fish has a pinkish belly, and the male fish has a yellowish belly.

This fish mostly lays eggs on the water’s surface.


8. Salt and Pepper Cory Catfish (Corydoras habrosus)

Salt and pepper cory closeup
  • Average Size: Up to 1.9 cm (0.75 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 5 years with proper maintenance
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Carnivorous with scavenging behavior
  • Tank Mates: 7 other of its kind or other small peaceful fish
  • Minimum Tank Size: 10-gallon

How does Salt and Pepper Cory Catfish look?

Commonly, the salt and pepper cory catfish has three dark blotches running along its body horizontally. Two blotches run along its flanks, and one distinct and larger blotch is on its caudal peduncle. The caudal peduncle also has dark stripes.

They also have a light tan color body. They have black and shiny silver spotting with broken stripes. However, often, their body pattern varies.

It is much harder to breed this fish. It needs an ideal reproducing environment – pH: 6.2; temperature: around 70 °F or 21 °C.


9. Peppered Cory Catfish (Corydoras paleatus)

Corydoras paleatus closeup
  • Average Size: Up to 5 cm (2.0 in) male; Up to 5.5 cm (2.2 in) female
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10 years with proper care
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Carnivorous scavengers
  • Tank Mates: Community of 7 other of the same species or other small peaceful fish
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30-gallon

What is the Color of Peppered Cory Catfish?

The peppered cory catfish comes in a range of different colors. Usually, its overall skin color varies from light tan to bronze. It is also marked with grey patches and specks.


10. Bandit Cory Catfish (Corydoras metae)

Bandit cory
Image Credit: Gonzalo Valenzuela
  • Average Size: Up to 4.0 cm (1.6 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 3 to 5 years with proper care
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Tank Mates: Community of 7 other of the same species or other small peaceful fish
  • Minimum Tank Size: 25-gallon

How does Bandit Cory Catfish Look?

The bandit cory catfish has a pale pinkish-beige body. The bottom half or a third of its dorsal fin is black, and the rest is colorless. And all other fins are translucent and colorless.

A black stripe runs on its back ridge between the dorsal and caudal fins. The stripe then goes parallel with its tail base after curving downwards and ends there.

It also has a black band running across one gill, over its head top, and to the other gill. Since it covers its eyes like a mask, hence the name “bandit” in its name.

It is an armored catfish and has no scale.


11. Skunk Cory Catfish (Corydoras arcuatus)

Skunk corydoras
  • Average Size: Up to 4 cm (1.6 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 4 years
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous
  • Tank Mates: 7 other of the same species or other peaceful small species
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

How does Stunk Cory Catfish look?

The stunk cory catfish is stocky, deep, and arch-backed. It is greyish-white to grey in color. A black horizontal stripe runs across its mouth, eye, and upper body part, till the caudal peduncle. It has white and spotted fins.

Breeding is moderately difficult for this fish. You need a temperature of 63 °F (17 °C) and a pH 6.0.


12. Three Stripe Cory Catfish (Corydoras trilineatus)

Three stripe cory catfish
  • Average Size: Up to 4 cm (1.6 in)
  • Average Lifespan: Up to 10 years
  • Tank Level: Bottom dwellers
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Diet: Omnivorous scavenger
  • Tank Mates: Community of 5 other of this species or with other small social species
  • Minimum Tank Size: 30-gallon

How does Three Stripe Cory Catfish look?

The body of three stripe cory catfish is silvery grey and pale. It also has a thin dark stripe on its lateral side, running from its gill cover to the tail base. The space on both sides of the stripe is pale. Beyond the pale space, it has rows of spots.

The dorsal fin is colorless, with a big black blotch on its upper part. The caudal, adipose, and dorsal fins are transparent but are spotted with rows of dark blotches. These spots form vertical stripes until the tail.

You can differentiate between the male and female when seen from above. This is because the difference in body shape in this species is much more distinct.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are cory catfish hardy?

Most of these species of cory catfish are hardy types with respect to their size. Moreover, their plates made of bone-like substances make them stronger. They are also known as armored catfish for this reason.

Are cory catfish schooling fish?

In our list, all the cory catfish types are schooling fish. They prefer to live in groups of 4-8, depending on their size. They swim around in the tank in sync with the entire group.

Are cory catfish nocturnal?

No, all the listed species of cory catfish, on our site, are diurnal, i.e., they are active during the day and sleep at night. However, some might still be more active than others and stay up even at night.

Why do cory catfish swim on top?

All the listed cory catfish are facultative air breathers. So, they often swim to the water’s surface to gulp air.

Can the cory catfish live alone?

If left alone without enough companions, they may get stressed, fall sick, or even let out poisons that can kill all the fishes. They are also courageous only when in groups. So, if alone, it can be hard to sustain them.

Can you mix cory catfish?

Different cory catfish species can be mixed. Despite the difference, they will still form a group and swim about together.

How many cory catfish should be kept together in a 10-gallon tank?

If a 10-gallon tank is made solely for cory catfish, you must not put more than 6 of them together.
However, if you want to add different fishes as well, keep at most 4 of them together.

What temperature do cory catfish like?

Most can tolerate temperatures between 74 and 80 °F (23-26 °C).

What are the suitable tank mates for cory catfish?

Any species of similar size and peaceful temperament like this fish type is its suitable tankmate. But some of the best picks are otocinclus catfish, bettas, tetras, swordtails, mollies, cherry barbs, fancy guppies, freshwater angelfish, hatchetfish, zebra danio, amano shrimps, red cherry shrimps, ghost shrimps, gold inca snails, ivory snails, mystery snails, ramshorn snails, pond snails, malaysian trumpet snails, rabbit snails, japanese trapdoor snails and nerite snails.
You must be careful about keeping these as tankmates.
Goldfish: If the cory is of similar size to the goldfish, this may work out. As soon as the goldfish grows bigger, it might prey on your cory.
Cichlids: Most cichlids are aggressive, and they feed on smaller fish. So, don’t keep them together.

What do cory catfish eat?

They thrive on a range of different diets. But their diet must preferably be full of soft and small food to fit their mouth. They feed on algae pellets, shrimp pellets, blackworms, frozen bloodworms, larvae, fish flakes, baby brine shrimp, grindal worms, kelp and krill.
Note: They are great tankmates with snails. But if they are starved, they eat alive snails, especially the young ones, as their shells are softer.

How to breed cory catfish?

To breed corydoras, you must take a higher strength of male fish than females. For instance, you must keep 4-5 males for every 2-3 females.
Maintain a temperature of 74-80 °F (23-26 °C), pH 7.0-8.0, and alkalinity between 3-10 dKH.

How often do cory catfish lay eggs?

In optimal conditions, these species lay eggs every 1-4 weeks. However, in my experience, it is pretty difficult to maintain the optimal condition for breeding.

Do cory catfish lay unfertilized eggs?

Usually, the female fish lets a male fertilize her eggs and then lays them. But sometimes, due to stress, instinctually, or lack of enough males in the tank, it lays unfertilized eggs. These eggs stay white even after 2 days, and a white layer of bacteria develops on them.

What do cory catfish eggs look like?

The eggs are often white with distinct egg shells. They are 1-2 mm in size. After fertilizing for a day or two, the eggs turn brownish orange and have small black spots.

Do cory catfish eat their babies?

Yes, they may eat their own fries as they are not the best nurturers.

A word from FishInAquarium

Cory catfish species form groups and look amazing when a group swims together. This makes them a perfect addition to make your aquarium attractive!

With that, we expect that all of your queries were answered in this think-piece. And if you’re satisfied don’t forget to share the link with your other fish enthusiasts. But if there are more queries, we’re just one mail away!

Minnie B Miller - Professional aquarist and owner of FishInAquarium

About Minnie B Miller

Minnie B. Miller, a professional aquarist and owner of FishInAquarium, has over 8 years of expertise in fish breeding and care, gained through her roles at AquaticTX and Sea Lion Landing. Having honed her skills with various aquatic species, she is dedicated to empowering fellow enthusiasts by sharing her knowledge and experience.