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Corydoras atropersonatus
Weitzman & Nijssen, 1970
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ur first factsheet of 2015 brings us back to the most popular
catfish family of all, the Callichthyidae, and along with the
Loricariids they vie for the top spot in our affections and
with the relative ease of breeding they are of course one of
the first catfish to make it on to our list when we get into
this fascinating part of our great hobby. We have decided to
go with one of the oldest Corydoras in the hobby which stretches
back many years now, namely the "Fairy Corydoras",
C. atropersonatus.
C. atropersonatus is similar
looking to three other species, C. sychri, C. kanei and
Corydoras sp. C097. There are also other species that come
into the realm of these colour patterns. The differences on
the aformentiond four are as follows.
- C. atropersonatus:
Head shape: short snout. Spots and dashes on body. Light silver
grey body colour. All fins hyaline. Size:
4.5cm. (1¾ins) Male: 5.0cm. (2ins) Female.
- C.
sychri: Head shape: elongated with short
snout. Spots on body. Light silver grey body. All fins hyaline.
Size: 6.0cm. (2¼ins) Male: 6.5cm.
(2½ins) Female.
- C.
kanei: Head shape: short snout. Many spots
on body. Light golden tan body colour. Spots on fins. Size:
5.0cm. (2ins) Male: 5.5cm. (2¼ins) Female.
- C097:
Head shape elongated with long nose. Spots on body. Light
silver grey body colour. All fins hyaline. Size:
5.5cm. (2¼ins) Male: 6.0cm. (2½ins) Female.
Head short and compact. Body colour is
a light silvery grey. All fins are transparent without any noticeable
markings (hyaline)
Body with light brown spots which are sparsely
distributed. A black mask extends over and below both eyes and
bridges the top of the head.
| Aquarium
Care |
This is akin to most
of this genus, very peaceful, and would be best housed
with small to medium sized tankmates such as Tetras, Rasboras
and Danios or in a species tank for breeding purposes.
Best to purchase 6 individuals or more as they will be
happier in a group.
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| Compatibility |
As above.
| Sexual
dimorphism |
Females grow larger
and have a heavier looking body shape. Males are slimmer
by comparison.
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| Breeding |
As per the Corydoras species. With
cool water changes and good feeding.
Breeding tank of 18" 12"
x 12" for example can be furnished with a sand substrate
and plants such as Java Moss. They will lay their eggs on the
tank walls and have been said to be avid egg eaters. There are
a few articles on breeding Corydoras in the Breeding
article section here
Readily accepts a mixed and varied diet
which includes granular foods, tablet food, frozen bloodworm and
good quality flake to name but a few.
| Etymology |
Corydoras:
Cory
= helmeted; doras
= leathery skin,(helmeted Doras) cuirass.
atropersonatus: From the Latin
atropersonatus = 'with a black mask' alluding
to the mask across the eye.
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| Glossary
of Terms: |
Hyaline:
Transparent or clear without
pigment.
Snout:
The part of the head in front
of the eyes.
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| Reference |
Fuller, I.A.M.
& Evers, H-G:
2005 Identifying Corydoradinae Catfish 384 p
Fuller, I.A.M,
Breeding Corydoradine Catfishes.
First Edition. 2001. Ian Fuller Enterprises, Kidderminster,
England
Seus, Werner,
Corydoras. The most popular catfishes of South America.
1993. Dähne Verlaf, Ettlingen,
Germany.
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| Photo
Credits |
© Mark Goh |
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| Synonyms:
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| None |
| Common
Name: |
| Fairy
Corydoras |
| Family: |
| Callichthyidae |
| Subfamily: |
| Corydoradinae |
| Distribution: |
| South
America: Upper Amazon River basin, Ecuador and Peru.
Type Locality: Ecuador, Río Conambo at mouth
of Río Shione (about 2º00'S, 76º30'W), Río
Tigre system, Est. Pastaza. |
| Size: |
| 4.5cm. (1¾ins)
Male: 5.0cm. (2ins) Female. |
| Temp: |
| 24-27°C
(75-81°F) |
| pH.: |
| 6.0. - 7.2. |
| Donation: |
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