Leopard Cory

Leopard Cory: The Leopard Corydoras are frequently confused with the Corydoras julii because of their appearance and characteristics. Also, the two species’ aquarium maintenance requirements are quite similar. However, the horizontal stripes distinguish them, the stripes of this species are thicker. 

Leopard Cories have plates or scutes covering their body. The body is a pale grey-silvery color with a short dark stripe running along the sideline from the gill covers to the end of the tail. On both sides of this stripe, there is a pale area with rows of spots.

The caudal fin is transparent, with rows of dark dots forming vertical stripes through the tail. The dorsal fin is colorless except for a huge black spot on the upper half, and the anal and adipose fins are translucent with a row of spots running through them. Dots mix into a mottled pattern on the head, and sensitive barbels surround the mouth.

The dorsal, pectoral, and adipose fins, like those of other catfish species, feature a spiky fin ray that can be barred, making them tough for a predator to swallow.

I. Size

• Average Adult Size: 2.2 inches (5.5 cm)
• Maximum Adult Size:  3 inches
• Swimming Level: prefer the bottom of the tank and will not likely venture upward

II. You would love the fish because…

The Leopard Cory is a small, tranquil bottom-dwelling catfish that is well-suited to mature, soft-water community aquariums. Leopard Corydoras, by nature gregarious, should be kept in groups of 5 or more; not only will this provide a stunning display, but it will also give these sociable, shoaling fish much more confidence to wander out into the open.

To protect the sensitive sensory barbels, use a soft sand substrate. To keep these fish in good health, regular maintenance, including periodic partial water changes, should be performed.

Keep only small, peaceful tankmates, such as some of the smaller-sized characins/cyprinids/anabantoids or dwarf cichlids, and provide some shaded sanctuaries amongst bogwood and regions of thick planting. Corydoras can breathe air through their intestines, so a tiny gap should be allowed between the surface of the water and the cover slides to allow the fish to come up to the surface and take in some oxygen. This could happen several times every day.

This catfish resembles the False Julii Cory in appearance (C. trilineatus). C. leopardus, on the other hand, gets larger and has a longer snout. Confusion with the unnamed Peruvian C. sp. (C102) is significantly more common, with the location being the most effective technique to distinguish immature fishes.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

• Recommended: minimum of 6
• Overall hostility: Peaceful
• Hostility towards own species: Peaceful
• Hostility towards other Species: Peaceful

IV. Species compatibility

• Otocinclus Catfish
• Tetras
• Swordtails
• Other Corys.

V. How to feed this species?

These catfish love Aqueon Bottom Feeder Tablets, Shrimp Pellets, Tropical Granules, and Algae Rounds. Feed a range of high-quality items and vary your fish’s diet daily for the greatest results. Feed your fish only what they can ingest in 2 to 3 minutes, once or twice a day.
Recommended food

• WA Bottom Dwellers Feed Sinking Pellets
• Hikari USA Inc Tropical Sinking Algae Wafers

Word for the wise

Live Plants

Driftwood

Rocks

Live, frozen food

Aquarium Starter Kit

Filter

Heater

Thermometer

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