Delphax Corydoras - Corydoras Delphax : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Delphax Corydoras (Corydoras Delphax) is a charming and social species that makes an excellent addition to any community aquarium. They have a unique and eye-catching appearance that is sure to capture the attention of any onlooker. These curious little fish are known for their playful behaviour and love to interact with their owners, making them a favourite among aquarium enthusiasts.
To ensure optimal health and happiness, it is recommended to keep these fish in groups of five or more due to their shoaling nature. When kept in groups, the Delphax Corydoras will exhibit their natural behaviours, such as playing and exploring the tank. For an aesthetically pleasing and harmonious community aquarium, it is recommended to house peaceful species such as smaller Pencilfish, Tetras, and Rasboras with the Delphax Corydoras. This will also serve as an opportunity to use the latter as "dither fish" to encourage them to come out of hiding and become more visible in the midwater region.
To maintain the optimal health of these fish, it is imperative to perform regular maintenance, which includes partial water changes at frequent intervals. Additionally, providing sufficient shaded areas amidst driftwood, rocks, and dense plantations will ensure their comfort and well-being. By providing the optimal environment and care for your Delphax Corydoras, you can enjoy their charming behaviour and striking appearance for years to come.
These flat-bellied fish have an arched back and a flesh-coloured body with distinct grey bands running vertically over their heads and behind the gill plates. The body is adorned with dark grey dots that fade towards the belly, and the remaining fins are transparent.
Delphax Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Delphax Corys is a straightforward task. Generally, the adult female of this species is notably larger, broader and fuller-bodied when observed from an aerial view, particularly when carrying eggs. On the other hand, males tend to be slimmer and more vibrantly coloured than their female counterparts.\r\n
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras Delphax |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1983 |
| Other Names | False Blochi Corydoras |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Colombia , Peru , Trinidad and Tobago , Argentina |
| Max Size | 6 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 15 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 5.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 2 - 12 |
| TDS | 36 - 215 |
| ℉ | 71 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Delphax Corydoras is a fascinating and striking species of catfish that can be found in a variety of locations throughout South America. They are endemic to several regions, including the Rio Inirida, upper Orinoco basins in Western Colombia, Northeastern Peru, Trinidad, and parts of Northern Argentina. In the wild, these fish inhabit the lush shallow, slow-moving rivers and streams, where the water is clear and abundant with vegetation.
You can often find them foraging in areas with soft substrates, such as sandy or muddy bottoms, where there is plenty of natural debris like mulm and leaf litter. If you're looking to add some variety and charm to your aquarium, the Delphax Corydoras is an excellent choice. Their unique and striking appearance will undoubtedly make them the star of your tank.
Breeding
To breed the Delphax Corydoras, setting up a separate breeding tank is highly recommended. Although it can be undecorated, a soft substrate is essential, as Corydoras love to feed by rummaging in the substrate for food, and the female will lay her eggs there. To create the perfect environment, ensure that the water in the breeding tank is mature, soft, acidic, and well-aerated, with low lighting and broad-leaved plants.
Please keep in mind that Corydoras do not enjoy still water. As the female Corydoras approaches spawning, you will notice that she will start to clean the surface of the leaves or the aquarium glass where she will lay her adhesive eggs. By mimicking their natural spawning behaviour, such as conditioning them with live foods and performing large water changes with rainwater or cold water, you may encourage spawning to take place. During a single spawning, the female may lay up to 100 eggs.
After that, the adults will not partake in rearing their offspring and may consume the eggs if given the chance. Thus, returning them to their original tank would be best. Typically, it takes around one to three days for the eggs to hatch, depending on water temperature and conditions, and an additional two to three days for the fry to consume their yolk sacs and become free-swimming.
You can provide the fry with infusoria-type foods such as rotifers once they are free-swimming. In a well-planted aquarium, the Delphax Corydoras may spawn in the community tank, and some of the fittest fry will survive to adulthood. Before introducing the adolescent fish into the community tank, make sure you balance the water temperatures to reduce the risk of White Spot or other diseases being triggered. Once the fry is of sufficient size, they can join the existing shoal.
Diet & Feeding
To ensure the optimal health and condition of the Delphax Corydoras, it is crucial to provide them with a varied and balanced diet. These scavenging omnivores will accept most sinking dried foods, including algae wafers or pellets, as well as small live and frozen fares such as mosquito larvae, bloodworm or tubifex. Additionally, offering them plenty of vegetable matter will contribute to a well-rounded diet. It is essential to note that relying on these fish to clean the aquarium or survive on leftover food from other inhabitants is not advisable. A proper diet consisting of high-quality and diverse food sources should always be provided to ensure the best possible health outcomes. .\r\n
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