Albino Cory (Corydoras aeneus) - Live Fish

The Albino Corydoras is a highly popular and striking aquarium fish, particularly appreciated for its pale appearance and peaceful nature. It is a variant of the Corydoras aeneus, commonly known as the Bronze Corydoras, with an albino color morph that makes it stand out in community tanks.

Full Description of Albino Corydoras

Appearance:

• Color: The Albino Corydoras has a pale, almost translucent white body. Its fins often have a soft pink or orange hue, and its eyes may appear reddish, giving it an eye-catching appearance.
• Size: These fish typically reach 2.5 to 3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in length, making them a small but noticeable addition to an aquarium.
• Body Shape: Like all Corydoras species, Albino Corydoras have a sturdy, armored body with a broad, flat head and a short, stocky shape. They are equipped with barbels around their mouths, which they use to search for food along the tank's substrate.
• Fins: Their pectoral fins are triangular, and they have a dorsal fin that is small and rounded. Their caudal fin is forked and somewhat translucent.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Native Range: The Corydoras species, including the Albino variant, is native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and swamps in South America, particularly in the Amazon River Basin.
• Water Conditions: In their natural habitat, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water with a temperature range of 72-78°F (22-26°C). In aquariums, they should be kept in slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6.0–7.5).
• Substrate: They thrive in tanks with fine, sandy substrates that won’t damage their sensitive barbels, as they forage along the bottom for food.

Behavior:

• Social and Peaceful: Albino Corydoras are known for their gentle, peaceful behavior. They are very social and should ideally be kept in groups of at least 4-6 individuals, as they feel more secure and display more natural behavior in schools.
• Bottom-Dwelling: These fish are bottom dwellers, often found foraging along the substrate for food. They are not strong swimmers and prefer to remain closer to the bottom of the aquarium.
• Nocturnal: While they can be active during the day, they are primarily nocturnal and are most active during the night, when they search for food on the bottom.

Diet:

• Omnivorous: Albino Corydoras are scavengers that eat algae, detritus, and organic matter found on the bottom of the tank. In the aquarium, they readily accept sinking pellets, flakes, live or frozen foods such as worms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
• Foraging: They are efficient scavengers and help keep the substrate clean by consuming leftover food.

Tank Care and Requirements:

• Tank Size: While they are small, it’s best to keep them in tanks of at least 20 gallons (75 liters) when kept in groups. A larger tank will allow for more swimming space and better water quality.
• Water Quality: Albino Corydoras are sensitive to poor water quality. They require well-maintained filtration and regular water changes to keep the tank environment clean and free of toxins.
• Substrate: Soft, fine gravel or sand is recommended as they spend a lot of time near the bottom of the tank, searching for food. Avoid sharp gravel, which can damage their delicate barbels.
• Tankmates: Albino Corydoras are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species, such as tetras, rasboras, and guppies. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.

Breeding:

• Breeding Behavior: Corydoras can be bred in captivity with some care. When they are ready to spawn, males will chase females, and the female will deposit eggs on smooth surfaces like glass or plants. The males will fertilize the eggs, which will hatch in a few days.
• Egg Care: The eggs will hatch into small fry, which can be fed infusoria or finely crushed foods until they are large enough to eat standard Corydoras food.

Summary:

The Albino Corydoras is a peaceful, hardy, and visually stunning fish that thrives in community aquariums. Its easy-going nature, social behavior, and ability to help keep tanks clean make it a favorite among aquarium hobbyists. By providing a suitable environment with soft substrate, clean water, and tankmates that won’t harass them, Albino Corydoras can be a delightful and long-lasting addition to any tank.