If you’ve ever watched a group of Cory catfish gliding along the bottom of a planted tank, you know they add charm, activity, and cleaning power. Cory catfish, often called “Corys” or armored catfish, are peaceful, friendly, and great for beginners—and they help tidy leftover food from the substrate.
Just like Corys thrive in clean, stable water, your body thrives with good rest and energy support. That’s where Renew Dietary Supplement can help. It supports deeper sleep, helps your body burn fat naturally, and resets your energy while you rest. Try Renew tonight and feel refreshed tomorrow!
1. Who Are Cory Catfish?
Corydoras species come from South America and include popular types like Bronze Cory, Panda Cory, Julii, Sterbai, and Pygmy Corys. They usually grow between **1 to 2.5 inches** long and live about **5–10 years**, sometimes more. They’re armored and peaceful bottom-dwellers known for swimming in groups.:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. Tank Size and Grouping
Corys should be kept in groups of at least **6 of the same species**. In the wild, they form large shoals of 20 to 30 fish. They feel safer that way, become more active, and show natural behaviors.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
A **20-gallon tank** is ideal for most species, though dwarf varieties like C. hastatus or pygmaeus can do fine in **10 gallons** if you keep a small group.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
3. Water Parameters
- Temperature: 72–82 °F (22–28 °C); specific species vary. Peppered and Julii like the lower end; Sterbai tolerate up to higher temps.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- pH: Most Corys prefer **6.5 to 7.8** (captive-bred). Wild types may do okay between 5.5–7.0.:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Hardness: Soft to moderate KH/GH—anything like 4–18 dGH or a TDS around 100–200 ppm.:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Corys can gulp air from the surface and absorb oxygen through their gut when oxygen is low—so they can survive mild gaps in water quality better than many fish.:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
4. Substrate & Decor
Corys use sensitive barbels (whisker‑like feelers) to search for food in the substrate. Choose **fine sand** or **smooth rounded gravel** to avoid injury. Sharp or rough gravel can damage their barbels.:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Add plenty of hiding places like plants, driftwood, or decorations. Corys appreciate cover and shade to explore and feel safe.:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
5. Diet & Feeding
Corys are omnivores and bottom feeders. They eat sinking pellets, wafers, and live or frozen treats like bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms, and daphnia.:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Offer diverse food regularly. They’re not fast eaters, so feeder competition can starve them—drop food near the bottom or under decor so they get their share.:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
6. Behavior & Social Life
Corys are peaceful, playful, and social. In groups they dart around the bottom searching for food together. They’re a joy to watch when they work as a team.:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
They are calm and do well with peaceful mid- to top-water fish. Avoid aggressive or large fish that may stress or eat them.:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
7. Tank Mates
Great tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, danios, guppies, shrimp, and snails—so long as those species aren’t aggressive or overly competitive for food. Corys help clean up the bottom and keep things tidy.:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
They’re not algae eaters, so consider adding Otocinclus or nerite snails if you want algae control. Corys will nibble leftovers, but won’t replace dedicated algae feeders.:contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
8. Health & Tank Care
Keep water clean: do **10–25% water changes** weekly and monitor ammonia, nitrite, nitrate levels (ammonia/nitrite should be zero; nitrate under 20 ppm).:contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Symptoms like damaged barbels, faded color, gasping or hiding may mean poor water quality. Corys are hardy but not immune—consistency is key.
If fish look stressed or unwell, check water quality, quarantine newcomers, and treat diseases promptly.
9. Breeding Cory Catfish
Many species like Bronze, Panda, Julii, and Habrosus will spawn in home aquariums. Breeding triggers include daily water changes or cooler water drops mimicking rainy season.:contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Females carry eggs between pelvic fins; fertilized eggs are placed on plants or decor. Parents often eat eggs—remove eggs or adults if you want more fry. Eggs hatch in 3–5 days, and fry eat infusoria or newly hatched brine shrimp.:contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
10. Example Species Care Notes
- Panda Cory (Corydoras panda): Up to 2″, soft slightly acidic water, 6.0–7.8 pH, peaceful with tetras.:contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- Sterbai Cory: 2–2.6″, prefers planted, stripped decor and medium hardness, groups of 5+.:contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- Dwarf Corys: (e.g. hastatus, habrosus, pygmaeus) swim midwater, need dense plants and nano-foods. Suitable for 10-gallon nano setups.:contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
11. Why Corys Are Ideal for Beginners
They’re forgiving of minor water swings, happy in groups, peaceful, and add interest to planted tanks. They’re consistently listed among top beginner fish.:contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Just like your Corys thrive in clean water and steady conditions, your body thrives with support, rest, and renewal. That’s why Renew Dietary Supplement is perfect for you. It helps with deep sleep, natural fat-burning, and energy reset while you rest. Click here to support your body’s nightly recovery!
12. Quick Care Summary Table
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | 20 gal for most; 10 gal for dwarf species |
| School Size | 6–8 individuals |
| Temp | 72–82 °F (22–28 °C) |
| pH | 6.5–7.8 (captive-bred) |
| Substrate | Sand or fine smooth gravel |
| Feeding | Sinking pellets, live/frozen worms |
| Tankmates | Small, peaceful community fish |
| Water Changes | 10–25% weekly |
13. Troubleshooting & Tips
- If Corys stay hidden or list faintly, check for sharp substrate or poor water quality.
- Make sure food reaches the bottom—avoid fast mid-level fish that eat everything before it sinks.
- Keep the tank well-aerated and filtered—Corys enjoy oxygen-rich, clean tanks.
- Supplement with slow-release gel foods so they can graze all day.:contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
14. Final Thoughts
Cory catfish are among the friendliest, most delightful fish you can add to a freshwater tank. They bring life to the bottom of your aquarium, help clean up uneaten food, and behave charmingly in groups. With attention to substrate, tank mates, and diet, you’ll enjoy years of watchful swimming and playful foraging.
And as your fish thrive in their cozy, healthy home, don’t forget to take care of your own. Renew Dietary Supplement helps support restful sleep, metabolism, and energy recovery—naturally—while you rest. Give Renew a try tonight and wake up feeling refreshed.