Blackstripe Corydoras - Corydoras bondi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
Blackstripe Corydoras (Corydoras bondi)is a freshwater catfish renowned for its engaging behavior and attractive appearance, making it a prized addition to aquariums worldwide. Originating from South America this species captivates aquarists with its peaceful nature and social demeanor. Sporting distinctive markings and a streamlined body, Corydoras bondi adds visual interest and functional benefits to community tanks, contributing to substrate aeration and waste management.
To ensure the optimal well-being of Blackstripe Corydoras, maintaining them in small shoals of no less than six individuals is recommended, with larger groups of twelve enhancing their vibrancy and activity level. When considering tankmates for these Corydoras, careful selection is crucial to fostering a harmonious aquatic environment. Given their natural schooling behavior, pairing them with conspecifics is ideal. For a visually captivating community tank, compatible companions such as Neon Tetras, Ember Tetras, Harlequin Rasboras, or Chili Rasboras can complement their presence.
Blackstripe Corydoras thrive in water conditions ranging from soft to moderately hard, necessitating efficient filtration systems to ensure pristine water quality. Adequate oxygenation is also essential, as these Corydoras flourish in environments with ample oxygen levels. Providing ample hiding spots amidst aquatic plants caters to their natural inclination to explore and seek shelter.
Characterized by a cream base color adorned with irregular dark spotting, faint banding, and a bold dark lateral line extending from the dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle, Blackstripe Corydoras boasts an aesthetically striking appearance in aquarium settings.
Blackstripe Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Under proper conditioning, distinguishing between male and female Blackstripe Corydoras becomes readily apparent. Females typically exhibit a broader appearance when viewed from above due to their larger underbelly. Additionally, males are generally shorter in length compared to their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras bondi |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1940 |
| Other Names | Bond's Catfish, C031 |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Venezuela , Guyana , Suriname |
| Max Size | 5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5- 25 |
| ℉ | 72 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Blackstripe Corydoras, indigenous to inland waterways of South America, is notably distributed in regions encompassing the Yuruarí River in Venezuela, as well as the Corantijn and Rupununi River basins in Guyana and Suriname. This species thrives in tranquil rivers and streams typified by their pristine, transparent waters, alongside sandy or muddy substrates and abundant vegetative cover along the shorelines. The provision of suitable hiding spots, including submerged tree roots and aquatic flora, is pivotal to fostering a sense of security for the Blackstripe Corydoras within its habitat.
Breeding
For successful breeding of Blackstripe Corydoras, it is advisable to set up a separate breeding tank with a soft substrate, as these fish exhibit a natural inclination to forage in the substrate for food. The breeding environment should feature soft, acidic water with moderate aeration and subdued lighting, complemented by the presence of broad-leaved plants.
To prepare for spawning, gradually replace up to half of the tank water with collected rainwater on a daily basis. Conditioning the Corydoras with a diet rich in live and frozen foods, such as bloodworms, baby brine shrimp, tubifex, or mosquito larvae, can effectively stimulate spawning activity.
As the female approaches spawning readiness, she will commence cleaning the leaves or aquarium glass surface before depositing her adhesive eggs. Each female may lay 2 to 4 fertilized eggs between her pelvic fins, with the process continuing until she exhausts her egg supply. A single female can produce up to 100 eggs, with the entire egg-laying process spanning 2 to 3 days. Following egg deposition, the parental involvement ceases, and there's a risk of the eggs being consumed if left with the parents.
To safeguard the eggs, transferring them back to the breeding tank is recommended. Subsequently, the eggs will hatch within one to three days, with the fry becoming free-swimming within an additional two to three days after absorbing their yolk sacs. Feeding the fry with infusoria-type foods is advisable during this stage. Once the fry reaches a suitable size, they can be reintroduced into the community tank to join the existing shoal of Corydoras.
Diet & Feeding
Blackstripe Corydoras exhibit omnivorous feeding habits, displaying a penchant for scavenging along the substrate in search of food particles. These diligent foragers consume a varied diet consisting of both plant matter and small invertebrates, making them efficient cleaners within the aquarium ecosystem. In captivity, they readily accept a range of food offerings, including high-quality sinking pellets, flakes, and granules, as well as live and frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Supplementing their diet with occasional blanched vegetables like zucchini or cucumber provides essential fiber and nutrients. It's essential to ensure a balanced diet to support their overall health and vitality, promoting their natural behaviors and longevity in the aquarium environment.
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