How to Care for Corydoras Catfish

Due to their sociability and non-aggressive nature, Corydoras catfish are commonly found in home aquariums. They are a small freshwater fish that can tolerate a variety of water conditions, as long as the nitrate levels are low. They are bottom feeders and not very picky ones, at that. They live up to 10 years, although some have survived longer than 20 years in captivity. Maintaining proper water temperature and pH levels, and feeding them twice a day, will keep your Corydoras catfish healthy for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Water testing kit
  • Water conditioner
  • Filter
  • Heater
  • Thermometer
  • Gravel cleaner
  • Gravel
  • Live plants and decorations
  • Aquarium net
  • Catfish food, such as flakes and pellets
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a freshwater aquarium that is equal to about 1 inch of fish per 1 gallon of water. For example, if you wish to raise eight Corydoras catfish, which typically grow to 2 1/2 inches long, you need a 20-gallon aquarium. Consider adding other fish species of similar size and temperament.

    • 2

      Set up the tank with fresh water that's about 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH level of 6 to 7.5, and a water hardness level of 50 to 150 parts per million. Allow the aquarium to run for 48 hours before adding the fish.

    • 3

      Add a layer of gravel substrate to the bottom of the aquarium -- up to 2 lbs. per gallon of water. Add live plants and decorations, to give the catfish plenty of places to explore and hide.

    • 4

      Float the bag or container that holds your catfish on the surface of the water, to slowly adjust the temperature. Use an aquarium net to scoop the fish from the container and add them to the aquarium.

    • 5

      Check the filter and water temperature on a daily basis, and adjust as needed. Check the water quality and pH level at least once per week, and replace up to 25 percent of the water every two to four weeks -- more often, if needed. Clean the filter, if it becomes clogged. Rinse it using the same water you remove during your biweekly water change.

    • 6

      Feed the catfish a diet of tropical catfish flakes and pellets, and live food such as bloodworms, insect larvae and brine shrimp. Feed the catfish up to twice a day, giving them no more than what they can in about 2 minutes.

    • 7

      Move the Corydoras catfish to a separate aquarium, if you wish to breed them. Otherwise, their eggs will get eaten by other fish. A 10-gallon aquarium is suitable for up to four Corydoras catfish, for breeding purposes. Once the catfish have spawned, remove them from the breeding aquarium and return them to the other tank -- as they may eat their own eggs. The eggs will hatch in three to five days, and can be fed baby brine shrimp or commercial fry food in about a week.