Corydoras copei
A rare Peruvian armored catfish that breathes air and lives for decades.
About
Found in the Pastaza River basin of Loreto, Peru, this little-known armored catfish, Corydoras copei, belongs to one of the largest catfish genera in the world, a group currently containing over 150 described species with many more thought to await formal description. Like all members of the family Callichthyidae, it carries rows of bony plates instead of scales along its body. Hence the "armored" or "mailed" catfish nickname the group has earned. One of its more fascinating traits is facultative air breathing: a highly modified, well-vascularized section of intestine allows it to absorb atmospheric oxygen directly, so you will regularly see these fish darting to the surface for a quick gulp of air. This is completely normal behavior, not a distress signal. Make sure there is adequate clearance between the water surface and your tank lid, as they can bump themselves during these surface runs. Corydoras copei is genuinely rare in the hobby and poorly documented. It closely resembles several relatives, including C. acrensis and C. cruziensis, making confident identification tricky. Handle with care: the stiffened pectoral spines can pierce skin, and secretions from glands at the spine base may be mildly venomous. Keep them in groups of at least four to six, and given their potential 15-plus year lifespan, this is a long-term commitment worth taking seriously.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Corydoras copei
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Corydoras copei get?
- The Corydoras copei reaches about 1–2" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Corydoras copei need?
- A minimum of 19 gallons is recommended for the Corydoras copei, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Corydoras copei need?
- The Corydoras copei does best with a temperature of 68–82°F, a pH of 5–8, hardness around 2–25 dGH.
- Is the Corydoras copei aggressive?
- The Corydoras copei is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Corydoras copei eat?
- The Corydoras copei is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Corydoras copei live?
- With good care, the Corydoras copei typically lives 15-25 years.