Masked Fairy Cory

Care

Corydoras atropersonatus is a pretty little species, ideally suited to smaller softwater aquaria. The substrate should consist of soft sand in order to protect the delicate barbel area, and plenty of shady hiding spots amongst bogwood and plants should be incorporated. As a sociable species, the Masked Fairy cory must be kept in groups of 5 or more. The aquarium must be well mature before this species is added and frequent partial water changes are a must, as they can be very sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Suitable for housing with other small peaceful tankmates such as some of the smaller fish from the tetra, pencilfish and rasbora families. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. It may do this numerous times per day. Similar in appearance to C. sychri, which possesses a longer snout.

Feeding

Sinking catfish pellets, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae and brineshrimp.

Breeding

Spawning attempts should be carried out in soft, slightly acidic water. Mature fish (2 males:1 female) can be triggered into spawning by performing a large, slightly cooler water change. When ready to spawn, a pair should adopt the classic Corydoras ‘T position’ where the male fertilises 3-4 eggs that are held between the females’ pelvic fins. This species is said to scatter up to 75 eggs in total over dense planting.