Kane's cory

About

Found in the dark, acidic waters of the Rio Negro basin in South America, this small armored catfish, Corydoras kanei, carries enough personality to win over any fishkeeper who gives it a chance. Like all members of the Callichthyidae family, its body is covered in interlocking bony plates rather than scales, and it can supplement gill breathing by gulping atmospheric oxygen at the surface. A trait that evolved for surviving in low-oxygen environments. In the aquarium you will see this behavior occasionally, and it is completely normal. Before it was formally described, C. kanei was catalogued under two separate 'C' numbers (C026 and C046), reflecting the confusion that often surrounds Corydoras taxonomy. It is sometimes mixed up with C. atropersonatus in the trade, but can be told apart by its darker base color, more numerous and smaller body spots, and distinct dark markings on the anal and caudal fins. Peaceful and social by nature, it does best in groups of at least four to six individuals. Worth noting for anyone who handles these fish: the stiffened pectoral spines can pierce skin and deliver a genuinely painful response, possibly from glandular secretions at the spine base. Breeding is achievable with patience and follows the standard Corydoras approach. An honest, rewarding choice for a community setup with soft, slightly acidic water.