Corydoras diphyes

About

Armored Catfish (Corydoras diphyes) is a small but remarkably interesting cory from a very restricted range in Paraguay, found only in a handful of tributaries draining into the right bank of the río Paraná. In the wild it favors sandy-bottomed stretches with overhanging bank vegetation, clear to slightly dark water, and relatively sparse aquatic communities. One of the more intriguing things about this species is that it serves as a model for mimicry by Otocinclus mimulus, a dwarf suckerfish that apparently copies its appearance well enough to fool visual predators, thought to be the cichlid Crenicichla lepidota, even though the two fish don't share exactly the same microhabitat. Like all corydoras, it's a facultative air-breather, meaning it will periodically dart to the surface to gulp air, which is completely normal behavior. Make sure there's enough clearance between the water surface and your tank lid so it doesn't knock itself. Keep a group of at least six if you can. They're noticeably more active and confident in numbers. One charming quirk worth mentioning is their ability to move their eyes independently, giving the impression of blinking. Despite their small size, these fish are surprisingly long-lived and reward patient, attentive keepers.