Twosaddle Corydoras - Corydoras Weitzmani : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Two Saddle Corydoras (Corydoras Weitzmani) are a fascinating and delightful addition to any aquarium. With their peaceful and non-aggressive nature, they can easily coexist with other small and peaceful tankmates, making them an ideal choice for community tanks. In their natural habitat, these catfish are known to live in large groups, so it's important to maintain them in groups of five or more in the aquarium. Compatible tankmates should be of diminutive size and exhibit a tranquil disposition.
To ensure their well-being, provide a variety of hiding places such as rocky caves, bogwood, and tall broad-leaved plants to create much-appreciated shady areas. Regular partial water changes are essential for these catfish, as they are sensitive to elevated nitrate levels. Possessing the capability to respire air through their intestines, these Corys require a minute clearance to be maintained between the water's surface and the lids. This arrangement facilitates the fish's periodic ascension to the water's surface for the purpose of air intake, a behaviour that may be observed recurrently throughout the day.
The Two Saddle Corydoras have a unique appearance with their stub nose and long barbels. Unlike other fish, they are armoured instead of scaled, displaying two rows of overlapping scutes running down each side and large plates covering their head, which is short and compact. Their light brown-tan body is adorned with three distinct dark brown-black bands.
The first band starts from the jawline and then goes up over the eye, the second band runs up behind the gill plates, beginning under the pectoral and above the ventral fins, up to and into the dorsal fin at the leading edge, and the third band can be found on the end, covering the caudal peduncle. The specific shape of the spots varies somewhat from one fish to another. Their fins are virtually transparent except for the dorsal fin, which has black from the flanks running into the top third of the fin, making them a striking and visually appealing species.
Twosaddle Corydoras Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Two Saddle Corydoras is relatively straightforward. When viewed from above, the difference in body shape between the genders is apparent. Females appear notably broader than males, who are also shorter in length. Males exhibit more vivid and brilliant colouring in comparison to their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Corydoras Weitzmani |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1971 |
| Other Names | Two Saddle Cory, Weitzmani Cory, Dream Corydoras |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Genus | Corydoras |
| Origins | Peru |
| Max Size | 5.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 2 - 10 |
| TDS | 89 - 321 |
| ℉ | 71 - 78 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 21 - 25 |
Natural Habitat
Two Saddle Corydoras are native to the sparkling waters of the Rio Araza in the Madre Del Dios drainage river system in Southern Peru. These stunning fish thrive in slow-flowing streams and on the margins of larger rivers. You'll also find them in marshlands, ponds, and lakes, where they can forage for food and enjoy their natural habitat. However, they tend to avoid stagnant water, preferring a more dynamic environment that supports their unique needs.
Breeding
Breeding Two Saddle Corydoras is an achievable feat for aquarists of varying skill levels. The recommended setup for breeding is a separate breeding tank, densely planted or with spawning mops, and a smooth gravel or sand substrate. A bare-bottom tank is also acceptable. Water conditions should be slightly acidic, soft, and neutral. To increase breeding success, a higher number of males to females is preferred, with a suggested ratio of two males to every female.
Conditioning the breeding group with frozen and live foods can also encourage spawning. Once the females are full of eggs, a significant water change with colder water and increased flow and oxygenation in the tank should be performed daily until spawning occurs. Spawning typically begins with heightened activity, and the males will actively pursue the females. During spawning, the female will create a basket with her pelvic fins to hold up to four eggs while the male embraces her barbels with his pectoral fins.
Fertilisation is believed to occur as the sperm passes through the female's gills and into the eggs. The female will then attach her sticky eggs to a suitable surface, laying around 100 to 150 eggs in total. After laying the eggs, the parents will not attend or protect them, and they are likely to consume them. To save the fry, the eggs should be separated from the parents. The eggs usually hatch three to five days later, and the fry should be fed freshly hatched rotifers, micro-worms, or brine shrimp.
Diet & Feeding
To sustain a well-balanced diet, it is recommended to offer sinking varieties of algae-based wafers or pellets to the Two Saddle Corydoras. These catfish are generally not fussy eaters and will accept most types of food offered to them. However, to ensure that they receive an adequate portion, sinking varieties of food should be provided. It is also suggested to supplement their diet with occasional treats of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms and brine shrimp.
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