Description
Tank Setup:
Tank size: At least 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small group of 4-6 individuals.
Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their delicate barbels.
Filtration: Use a good quality filter to maintain water quality and promote a healthy environment.
Decorations: Provide hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, and plants. Corydoras elegans appreciate areas with low light.
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 72°F to 78°F (22°C to 26°C).
pH Level: Neutral to slightly acidic, ideally between 6.5 to 7.5.
Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, between 2 to 12 dH.
Tank Maintenance:
Perform regular water changes of about 20-25% every 1-2 weeks to keep the water clean and stable.
Use a gravel vacuum during water changes to remove debris from the substrate without disturbing the fish.
Feeding:
Corydoras elegans are omnivores, and they enjoy a varied diet.
Offer high-quality sinking pellets or granules as their staple food.
Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
Occasionally, feed them blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber.
Tankmates:
Corydoras elegans are peaceful community fish and should be kept with other non-aggressive species.
Suitable tankmates include small tetras, peaceful livebearers, dwarf cichlids, and other peaceful catfish species.
Avoid keeping them with aggressive or fin-nipping fish that may stress or harm them.
Behavior and Social Structure:
Corydoras elegans are shoaling fish and feel more secure in groups of 4 or more.
They exhibit social behavior and will often be seen swimming together or resting on the substrate.
Avoid keeping a single Corydoras elegans as they may become stressed and lonely.