How to Breed Corydoras Melanistius

Corydoras melanistius, also known as spotted corys, are a catfish type fish originally from the region around Suriname and Guyana. Although spotted corys are known as algae eaters and scavengers, they require supplemental feeding in order to remain healthy. These fish are attractive additions to an aquarium and can be fascinating and interesting to watch. However, they can be tricky to breed in captivity. It may take several tries before you find the particular method that works for your fish.

Things You'll Need

  • Freshwater breeding aquarium
  • Soft aquatic plants
  • Air powered aquarium filter
  • Water testing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Live or frozen fish foods
  • Air stone and pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a freshwater breeding aquarium for the Corydoras melanistius. This aquarium should be about 18 inches long and 12 inches wide and deep. No substrate is needed, but you should add soft plants such as java moss. You should also install an air-powered sponge or box filter to keep the water clean and provide a slight current. Spotted cory fish thrive in these conditions and are more likely to breed in them.

    • 2

      Test the pH level of the water with an aquarium water testing kit. For breeding, the pH level should be around 6.5. You should also test the temperature of the water with a thermometer. The temperature of the water in the breeding aquarium should be about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use water additives to adjust the pH level. Use a submersible heater or cooler to adjust the temperature.

    • 3

      Place a group of spotted corys in the breeding aquarium. Corys prefer a larger ratio of male fish to female fish, especially when breeding. You should have at least two males for every one female. The total size of the group you place in the aquarium will depend on how large the aquarium is. More than three fish will require a larger aquarium. You can ensure you have both males and females by looking at the shape of the fish. Female cory fish are rounder than males.

    • 4

      Feed your spotted corys a rich diet of live or frozen foods. These foods can include bloodworms or daphnia insects. Thaw any frozen foods before feeding them to the fish. As you continue to feed this diet, the female fish will plump up with eggs. This tells you the fish are ready to breed.

    • 5

      Perform a large partial water change. Replace about 50 percent of the water in the aquarium with fresh, clean water that is several degrees cooler. This water change encourages spawning.

    • 6

      Increase the oxygen levels in the breeding aquarium. You can do this by adding an air stone, which attaches to an air pump outside the aquarium. You can increase the strength of the current in the aquarium by increasing the amount of filtration.

    • 7

      Wait for the fish to breed. This should happen quickly if the conditions are to the corys' liking. The fish will lay their eggs on a flat surface. Remove the parent fish so they don't eat the eggs or young fish.