Bandit Cory

Bandit corydoras are so named for the mask across their face. These are wild-caught in the Amazon tributaries of Peru and Colombia.

Cory catfish are found in still or slow-moving clear waters in South America. All species are non-aggressive and can be housed with any species that is not large enough to eat them. Most corydoras are small, with the exception of a few that can reach 4 inches in adulthood. They come in a wide variety of patterns and spend their time schooling on the bottom of the tank, using their barbels to search for food in the gravel or sand.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give a group at least a 20-gallon tank with a heater, a gentle filter and a soft sand or smooth, fine gravel bottom. Plants, driftwood and a few shady spots help them feel secure. Change about 25% of the water every week. Corys are sensitive to salt and some medications (especially copper), so check labels before treating the tank.

Feeding: Corys need their own food, not just leftovers. Feed sinking pellets or wafers once or twice a day so food reaches the bottom, plus frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia a few times a week.

Tankmates: Corys get along with almost any peaceful community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, livebearers, gouramis, angelfish and bettas. Avoid large fish that could swallow them and aggressive bottom dwellers.

Good to know: Corys sift through the substrate with their sensitive barbels, so soft sand or smooth, fine gravel keeps those barbels healthy.