Breei Cory

About

Found in the Corantijn River basin of Suriname, this obscure little armored catfish, Corydoras breei, is one of the lesser-known members of a genus that consistently rewards patient keepers. Like all corydoras, it is a facultative air-breather, meaning it periodically darts to the surface to gulp atmospheric oxygen, which it absorbs through the stomach lining. This is completely normal behavior, though it does mean you want a few inches of clearance between the waterline and the tank lid so the fish isn't smacking into the hood on its way up. One of the more charming quirks of the group is the ability to move each eye independently, tilting it downward to inspect the substrate just below. A trick that tends to stop first-time observers in their tracks. Like its relatives, this species is social by nature and should be kept in groups of at least six; the larger the group, the more boldly the fish will move around and explore. Given proper company and a well-maintained setup, corydoras are famously long-lived, and this species is no exception. The care level is listed as intermediate, mostly on account of its specific social and environmental needs rather than any particular sensitivity.