How to Keep Corydora Catfish Happy

The corydoras catfish or "corys" are one of the most popular tropical aquarium catfish because they are so easy to take care of, hardy, come in a variety of interesting colors and patterns, and are affordable and social and peaceful in nature. In the wild, they are essentially found around South America. They have a lifespan between three and five years.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Heater
  • Filter
  • Substrate
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place four to six corys in a tank. This is an ideal grouping to keep them happy. In the wild, they are shoaling fish meaning that they hang in social groups or schools.

    • 2

      Add tank substrate of fine gravel or river sand to avoid damaging their sensitive barbell mouthparts. Make sure the depth is shallow to allow the corydoras to search out food particles right down to the base of the tank.

    • 3

      Keep water temperature between 72 and 79 degrees with pH level between 6.8 and 7.5 as corys are warm water dwelling fish.

    • 4

      Add a quality filtration system. A good filter will remove the toxins from the water and help keep the water conditions optimal for keeping and breeding corys.

    • 5

      Keep corys with other peaceful fish species such as gouramis, guppies and tetra and away from aggressive warring fish species.

    • 6

      Supplement fish flakes with live or frozen foods twice daily such as brine shrimp, daphnia, tubifex and bloodworm.