“Elegant Cory” “Peru”

There are many species in the 5th lineage ofCorydoradinae(Gastrodermus)that share similar body patterns, such asGastrodermuselegans, G. napoensis, G. nanus,andG. gracilis.Elegant Gastrodermus are a base color of gold or tan depending on conditions, have two dark horizontal stripes running along their back, and brown striations over their faces and shoulders. Similar to the rest of the species in the 5th lineage ofCorydoradinae, they don’t have very tall bodies compared to otherCorydoradinaespecies and have lower set eyes. Also unlike most otherCorydoradinae, they spend a lot of time hovering under structures rather than on the bottom. They are a smaller species making them a good candidate for smaller South American community tanks. In the wild, elegant Gastrodermus can be found in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru in the Upper Amazon River Basin.It was previously classified asCorydoras elegans, but was reclassified asGastrodermuselegansupon publication of a phylogenomic analysis in 2024 that reclassified many species in theCorydoradinaesubfamily.

Corydoradinaeare small, peaceful catfish that are active shoalers and will stay near conspecifics, making for a lovely sight.Theyfeed by searching through sand with their barbels, making such a substrate necessary for their long-term health.Gravel substrates tend to be abrasive and damage the barbels, leading to infections and an inability to find food.

While these friendly catfish are willing to swim with other species ofCorydoradinaedifferent from their own, this does not provide the same social need as being kept with members of their own species. Because of this, it is highly recommended to keep at least six of each species ofCorydoradinaepresent in the aquarium and only mix species if one has the space to keep at least six of each.

Corydoradinaeare often looked at as “scavengers,” but they should be treated in a similar fashion as the rest of your fish. They are omnivores and require a mixed diet. Sinking prepared foods are readily accepted, as are frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, blackworms, and bloodworms.