Do cory catfish like sand or gravel?

Corydoras have wispy barbels or whiskers to help them find food, so smooth sand or gravel is preferred. (That being said, our CEO Cory McElroy

Cory McElroy

Cory McElroy | Company Owner and Founder Started Aquarium Co-Op in Jun.

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Cory McElroy | Company Owner and Founder Started Aquarium Co-Op ...

visited their natural habitat in the Amazon and found the substrate to be quite sharp, as seen in this video.)

Is sand better for corydoras?

Better for Some Species

Bottom dwelling fish such as corydoras or plecos do best in sandy substrates for this reason. Not only is sand easier for these species to dig through, but it's also much safer for them. Corydoras, in particular, have delicate barbels near their mouths that they use to scavenge for food.

Can corydoras catfish live without substrate?

No, corydoras can't live without sand. In the wild, corydoras live along sandy river bottoms and have evolved to feed by sifting sand through their gills. Without sand, there will be nothing for them to sift. To keep your corydoras happy and healthy, provide soft, natural sand at the bottom of their tank.

Do catfish like sand?

A little-known fact is that many species of fish actually consume sand. They do this to help out with digestion. For catfish and other burrowing species, sand is the prime substrate choice, as rocks and pebbles can injure these fish and prevent natural feeding behaviors.

Is sand better than gravel?

Sand has a couple of other benefits when compared to gravel. Many aquarium owners think it looks more natural, better mimicking the lakes or riverbeds that make up fish' natural habitats. In addition, closely packed sand substrate needs to be changed less frequently.

The TRUTH About Keeping CORYDORAS ON GRAVEL

What gravel is best for cory catfish?

If you use the wrong size aquarium gravel you could harm or injure your little catfish. Sand is the best option for catfish and especially smaller corydoras catfish. They love to move the sand or gravel around the bottom of the aquarium and sand offers less risk.

Is 2 cory catfish enough?

While Cory Cats can survive alone, they seem much happier in a group of two or more. Two Cory Cats of the same type will often stay close to one another as they move throughout the tank to feed.

How do you know if a cory catfish is stressed?

Why are my corys dying?

Your cory catfish may be exhibiting these symptoms due to an improper acclimatization process, water temperature or pH changes, poor sanitation, water poisoning, or self-poisoning due to stress.

Do cory catfish keep tank clean?

As a small bottom feeder, the cory catfish is an extremely efficient cleaner. It will scavenge the leftovers that have sunk to the bottom, cleaning up after messier fish that feed at the surface and midlevel of the tank.

How many pellets should I feed my cory catfish?

You only have to feed your Corys the quantity they can eat in five minutes. Feeding them once, or at most, twice a day is okay. They will spend the rest hours scavenging and getting foods for themselves, even when other fishes can't.

Which sand is best for aquarium?

Do cory catfish eat algae?

This fish species do not feed on algae. People often mistake corydoras catfish for algae eaters because they sometimes nibble at algae growths but they hardly ever consume this type of growth.

What pH do cory catfish like?

A pH between 7.0 and 8.0, alkalinity between 3° and 10° dKH (54ppm to 180ppm) and temperature between 74° and 80° F are ideal conditions for most captive bred Cory cats and their relatives.

Do cory catfish eat detritus worms?

Most carnivorous or omnivorous aquarium fish will see detritus worms as a tasty snack! Bottom feeders like corydoras catfish and loaches will sift through the substrate to search for these creatures, but worms that swim up into the water column will be eaten by just about any small fish.

How do you make a cory catfish happy?

Water Flow: Cory Catfish love water flow and are often found “dancing” in areas with high flow. That said, try to have a few spots in your tank with low water flow so your Corys can rest (rock, slate and plants are a great way to do this).

Why do cory catfish go to the surface?

Cory catfish swim to the top because they need to breathe. Cory catfish often come to the water surface to gulp air with their mouths. While this is a natural cory behavior, if your cory does this often, it's because there isn't enough dissolved oxygen in the water.

How many Cory cats should be kept together?

As a relatively small fish, they crave safety in numbers, so a group of six corydoras or more (all of the same species) is highly suggested. These peaceful bottom dwellers can be kept with pretty much any community fish that won't eat or attack them.

Do Cory cats eat poop?

No fish eats poop. However, catfish like corydoras and bristle nose and sometimes snails or shrimps are referred to as “clean up crew.” You bring them into your tank to clean it off of dirt or poop. This cleaning method is said to be ineffective and people's lazy way of maintaining a fish tank.

Can betta live with cory catfish?

Corydoras are mostly found in South America and there are many different species to choose from. They live in slow-moving water and rivers that are heavily planted and have a lot of food on the substrate. However, all corydoras can live with bettas, so you don't need to worry too much about the different types.

Can I have 1 cory catfish?

No, you can't have a single cory catfish. Cory catfish are schooling fish and thus, feel happier with other corys around. A single cory catfish will feel lonely and stressed.

Do Corys like current?

Cory Catfish

These fish don't just tolerate a strong current, but they rely on one to stay happy and healthy.

Do pygmy Corys need sand?

Pygmy corys are, as the name implies, small, so they really do need FINE sand.

Is sand OK for freshwater fish?

You will want to use sand that is designed to be used in a freshwater aquarium. Most sand is silica-based, and that silica can contribute to brown algae. Aquarium sand that is silica-based will have a coating that prevents this. When shopping for aquarium sand for your freshwater tank, you need to consider grain size.