Corydoras
steindachneri Isbrûcker
& Nijssen, 1973 |
he main difference between this species
and Corydoras paleatus is the size, as the latter grows
to around the 7cm mark while steindachneri only atains
5cm. The males of steindachneri possess a more elongated
dorsal fin and are not as heavy looking as the females.
Corydoras
steindachneri
= male |
|
The confusion arises when wild caught paleatus are examined
as the males of this genus also have an extended dorsal fin, as
Corydoras paleatus bred in the trade do not usually exhibit
this trait ( probably bred out of them). But I do feel that body
shape and size is probably the main criteria for both fish.
Only wild caught specimens are usually
available so care must be taken with them regarding water quality
and so they should be acclimatised in a quarantine tank. In saying
that once they are over this period they usually settle down well
to aquarium life.
Probably better of in a species tank as you can then tend to them
more easily, being the sole occupant, to the business of good
water quality in changing the water regularly. If your finances
stretch to it, as they will not be a cheap purchase, buy at least
4 as they tend to settle down better in their own company, you
can then be more certain of having a pair of "Steindachners
Cory".
Corydoras
steindachneri
= female |
|
Head short and compact. The male has an extremely
extended dorsal fin.
All fins are colourless and transparent. The
fin rays are banded black and white. There are three metallic-turquoise
patches along the length of the body, extending from the gill covers
to the caudal fin. The first begins just behind the eyes and runs
backwards to the dorsal fin, the second is just below the adipose
fin, and the smallest is situated at the the base of the caudal
fin. Above and surrounding these are irregular spots and patches,
which extend the length of the body. The basic body colour is also
visible in places, and a mottled pattern exists in the head region.
The species is similar to Corydoras aurofrenatus, but the
markings are different, and the males have a far more extended dorsal
fin.
A tank setup would entail a soft substrate
such as sand or a small gravel and a nice plant covering around
the back and sides of the aquarium. If housed in a community tank
a mixture of small South American characins or the smaller varieties
of Asian Rasboras would suffice, as larger fishes would intimidate
these shy Cory's, and would stop them eating and would be therefore
detrimental to their overall health.
U.K.Corydoras breeder Ian Fuller has bred
a similar species he calls Corydoras cf steindachneri.
He had 8 of these fish in his tank with a pH.of 7.4 and a temperature
of 74f (23.3c). They bred in the usual T-mating clinch formation
after a 25% cool water change the previous day reducing the temperature
to 69f (20.5c) The adult fish were moved as they were in the process
of eating the eggs. The number of eggs totaled between 400-500 and
he had a 90% hatch rate.
The fry after 3 days feed on microworm, pre-soaked
powdered flake, then progress on to Brine Shrimp naupli. Adults
can be fed the usual good quality flake food, frozen bloodworm,
tablet foods, white and grindal worms.
| Etymology |
Corydoras:
Cory = helmeted; doras
= leathery skin,(helmeted Doras) cuirass.
steindachneri: Named in honour of
Dr.Franz Steindachner, the Austrian ichthyologist (1834-1919)
|
| References |
Fuller, Ian A.M., Breeding
Corydoradine Catfishes
Seus, Werner. Corydoras,The most popular armoured catfishes
of South America.
Jim Makin |
Brazil
: Est.
Paraná, Paranaguá
