Napo Corydoras - Corydoras Napoensis : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Napo Corydoras (Corydoras Napoensis), an exquisite and peaceable shoaling Catfish, thrives best when kept in groups of six or more individuals. While they can coexist harmoniously with a wide range of tranquil fish species, it is advisable to avoid housing them alongside large Cichlids, as this may adversely affect their well-being, akin to other members of their genus.
Optimal tankmates for Napo Corydoras include small to medium-sized companions such as Rasboras, Danios, and Tetras. Alternatively, these Corydoras can be housed with other Catfish or maintained in a species-only tank specifically designed for breeding purposes.
Napo Corydoras are generally low-maintenance fish, provided that their fundamental requirements are met. It is advisable to furnish their habitat with a fine substrate, either sand or micro gravel, as they have a propensity to forage within the substrate for sustenance. Rough or abrasive substrates can potentially harm the barbels located at the front of their mouths.
The choice of aquarium decor largely depends on personal preference, although including sheltered areas promotes a sense of security, resulting in more social and active behaviour among the fish.
To ensure the well-being of Napo Corydoras, it is crucial to maintain clean water conditions with stable parameters. These exquisite creatures are sensitive to deteriorating water quality, necessitating a robust maintenance regimen.
Napo Corydoras possess captivating bodies with a delightful brownish-gold hue accentuated by a reticulated pattern of black markings, comprising three distinct dark bands extending from the head to the caudal peduncle.
The head exhibits a mottled pattern that extends over the upper half of the body. Male specimens often feature a prominent black blotch on the dorsal fin, while the females lack this marking, displaying a more or less translucent dorsal fin, occasionally with a faint hint of a blotch. The remaining fins are transparent, albeit with a subtle yellow tinge in optimal condition.
Napo Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Napo Corydoras generally presents noticeable disparities. Male specimens exhibit smaller body sizes yet boast a vibrant and captivating array of colours, while their female counterparts tend to be larger in size, characterized by a rounder and broader physique. Moreover, females typically exhibit a more subdued colouration compared to males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras Napoensis |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1986 |
| Other Names | Napoensis Corydoras |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Colombia , Peru |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| ℉ | 72 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
Napo Corydoras are indigenous to the pristine waterways of Peru, specifically the Rio Napo and Rio Aguarico, as well as the Rio Amazonas and Rio Atacuari in Colombia and the Rio Nanay in Peru.
These esteemed members of the Corydoras genus prefer habitats such as small tributaries, creeks, areas characterized by flooded forests, and sandbanks within their native range in South America.
Breeding
Similar to the behaviour observed in various Corydoras species, the initiation of the spawning process in Napo Corydoras can be stimulated through substantial and controlled decreases in water temperature. During this reproductive phase, these Corydoras will carefully deposit their eggs either on the transparent surfaces of the aquarium glass or on the delicate leaves of fine-leaved plants.
Roughly four to five days following this deposition, the eggs will hatch, marking the emergence of fry that possess the ability to swim independently. At this stage, nourishing the young with freshly hatched brine shrimp or rotifers is advisable, ensuring their continued growth and development.
Diet & Feeding
Napo Corydoras, being omnivorous by nature, exhibit a robust appetite and readily consumes a wide array of food sources. Optimal nutrition can be achieved through the provision of high-quality dried sustenance, such as wafers, pellets, or granules, which serve as a suitable staple diet.
Enhancing this foundation with supplementary frozen delicacies like bloodworms and tubifex further contributes to the overall well-being and splendid pigmentation of these aquatic specimens.
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