Melanistius Cory

Cory melanistius is a lesser-known leopard-spotted cory from Peru and Colombia. These little catfish are similar to Cory julii: they like to school, they do not grow very large, and they are very friendly.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them 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. 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. They also enjoy frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp.

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.