Xingu corydoras - Corydoras xinguensis

Scientific name: Corydoras xinguensis

Common name: Xingu corydoras

Family: Callichthyidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 3 - 4 cm (1.18 - 1.57 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.6 - 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

Origin

The xingu corydoras originate from South America where they inhabit the upper waterways of the River Xingu in Brazil.

Short description

Like all corydoras species these are extremely popular in the aquarium hobby, they are very peaceful in the aquarium and can perform strange antics in the water much to the delight of their keepers. The xingu corydoras are not quite as common in the aquatic stores as other corydoras species but well worth looking out for. As they mature they develop a pinkish tinge to their main body colouration which is broken by brown speckles. Adult specimens should reach an average length of up to 1.5 inches making them ideal for the smaller aquariums.

Lifespan

General care

The xingu corydoras are not a difficult species to care for as long as they have high water quality in the aquarium. The minimum sized aquarium should be at least 2 feet (60cm) in length and 1 foot (30cm) wide. Use a lid on the aquarium as corydoras like to come to the surface to gulp air and the use of a lid will help to keep the air humid.Sand should be used for the substrate as they have delicate barbels which can easily be damaged and become infected. The addition of live plants will help to settles these fish and always keep them in a small group of at least 6 specimens as they are a very social species. The water temperature should range between 22-26°C (72-79°F) and make sure that the pH ranges between 5.6-7.6.

They will occupy the bottom levels of the aquarium so make sure that there are swimming spaces available as they are very active. Regular water changes should be performed on a weekly basis and any uneaten food syphoned out.

Feeding

Corydoras species are not difficult to feed but as they are bottom feeders it is best to add their food to the aquarium in the evenings when the other tank mates at higher levels are starting to slow down. Sinking pellets are ideal and treats of algae wafers should be offered 2-3 times per week. They will also require treats of live or frozen foods, brine shrimp and bloodworms are ideal.

Sexing

Mature females will grow slightly larger than mature males. When viewed from above the females will have a fuller body shape.

Breeding

To obtain a breeding pair it is best to add a small group of adults and allow them to pair naturally in the breeding tank. The water parameters in the tank should be the same as in the main aquarium and use an air driven sponge filter to keep the quality high. Plants can be added or spawning mops and keep the lighting subdued. Adding cooler water during the changes can also help to trigger the spawning process. Spawning usually takes place in the early hours of the morning and eggs will be scattered all over even on the tank glass.

Once spawning is completed it is best to remove the parent fish as the eggs will be seen as a food source. The eggs should hatch over a period of 4-5 days dependant on the water temperature and the fry will consume their yolk sacs until they become free swimming so do not add any food at this stage. Once free swimming the fry can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or infusoria. Feed smaller meals several times per day rather than a couple of larger meals. Any uneaten food should be syphoned from the tank.