Elegant cory - Corydoras elegans
Scientific name: Corydoras elegans
Common name: Elegant cory
Family: Callichthyidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.6
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and feeding
In the wild Elegant cories will graze on algae and some plants, this should be replicated in the tank with sinking algae wafers or pellets. They will also accept flakes and blood worms.
Origin
Found in the central Amazon basin, Brazil.
Sexing
Males have a grey/green background with a lot of dark spots, females have smaller quantities of spots- mostly located on their fins.
Breeding
Elegant cories will pair off themselves if a group is introduced to the tank and will breed quite happily on their own accord. The eggs will be laid on the substrate and will become free swimming a few days later. Crushed flakes or newly hatched brine shrimp are ideal foods for the fry.
Lifespan
Corydoras elegans can live for up to 10 years but normally their lifespan is up to 5 years.
Short description
Elegant cories sense their food more by smell than sight. They are a social fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6.