Slant-bar corydoras - Corydoras loxozonus

Scientific name: Corydoras loxozonus

Common name: Slant-bar corydoras

Family: Callichthyidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 2 - 19°N (35.71 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 25 °C (69.8 - 77°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

Slant-bar Corydoras (Corydoras loxozonus) are primarily bottom feeders, foraging for food in the substrate. They are most active during the evening and at night, so it’s best to feed them when they are actively searching for food. Their diet should consist of high-quality sinking flake food or granules. Supplement their diet with protein-rich treats like brine shrimp and bloodworms twice a week to provide essential nutrients and protein. Sinking algae wafers should also be offered regularly to meet their vegetable matter needs and maintain a well-balanced diet. Always ensure that food reaches the bottom of the tank where they can forage comfortably.

Origin

The Slant-bar Corydoras (Corydoras loxozonus) is native to South America, specifically the Rio Meta in Colombia. These fish inhabit slow-moving rivers and tributaries with sandy substrates and plenty of organic material, such as leaf litter, where they forage for food. In the aquarium, replicating their natural environment with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water will help ensure their health and well-being.

Sexing

Sexing Slant-bar Corydoras can be challenging in juveniles, but adult females tend to be larger and have a rounder, stockier body shape when viewed from above. Males are generally smaller and more streamlined. During the breeding season, the size and shape differences become more pronounced, as females often appear fuller when carrying eggs.

Breeding

Breeding Slant-bar Corydoras in captivity can be achieved under the right conditions, though it requires some effort. In the wild, these fish are egg scatterers, and they exhibit similar behavior in aquariums. To encourage breeding, keep the water soft, slightly acidic, and clean, and provide a high-quality, varied diet. Mimicking rainy season conditions by lowering the water temperature slightly and increasing water flow may help trigger spawning. Corydoras lay their eggs on the substrate, plant leaves, or tank glass, scattering them throughout the tank. The parents do not guard the eggs, so removing the adults after spawning is recommended to protect the eggs from being eaten. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed fry food.

Lifespan

With proper care, Corydoras loxozonus can live for 3-5 years in captivity. To maximize their lifespan, ensure that water quality is consistently high, as these bottom-dwellers are particularly sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular tank maintenance, including water changes and monitoring for common diseases like fin rot and ich, is crucial to keeping them healthy.

Tank Requirements

The Slant-bar Corydoras thrives in well-maintained aquariums that replicate their natural habitat. These fish prefer a soft, sandy substrate, as rough gravel can damage their delicate barbels. A fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal for foraging, which is their natural behavior. Since Corydoras are social fish, they should be kept in groups of at least 5 individuals, allowing them to exhibit their natural schooling behaviors. They are ideal for peaceful community tanks but should not be housed with aggressive or boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food or cause stress. A tank of 60 liters (approximately 16 gallons) or more is recommended for a small group, with gentle water movement, moderate lighting, and efficient filtration to maintain clean water.

Short Description

Corydoras loxozonus, commonly known as the Slant-bar Corydoras, is a peaceful and social species native to the Rio Meta in Colombia. They are best kept in groups and make excellent additions to community tanks with other peaceful species. To ensure their health and well-being, they require soft, sandy substrates to protect their delicate barbels, and a varied diet of sinking foods, including algae wafers and protein-rich treats. Known for their active, bottom-dwelling nature, Slant-bar Corydoras are easy to care for and highly adaptable to a range of aquarium conditions, making them a great choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.