Smudge Pot Cory

The similis cory, or smudge pot cory for its coal-colored areas, is a wild Brazil cory. These little catfish prefer to swim in groups of three or four, and often hang out on large leaves and similar surfaces in the aquarium.

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 sometimes dart to the surface to gulp a bit of air. That's normal behavior, not a sign of trouble.