Long nosed arched cory
Corydoras narcissus
A long-snouted cory from the Amazon, rarely seen and worth the search.
About
A bottom-dwelling catfish from the Purus River basin of the middle Amazon, Corydoras narcissus is one of the more distinctive members of a genus that currently counts over 180 described species. It shares its range with the closely related C. arcuatus, but the two are easy to tell apart once you know what to look for: this species has a noticeably elongated, more pointed snout compared to the rounded face of its neighbor. That long nose and its relative scarcity in the trade tend to push the price up when it does appear, making it a bit of a find for cory enthusiasts. Like all members of the armored catfish group, it carries two rows of bony plates along its flanks in place of scales, and those sharp pectoral spines are worth respecting when netting or handling the fish. It is a facultative air breather, meaning it can supplement gill respiration by gulping air at the surface. A completely normal behavior, not a warning sign, unless the trips become very frequent. Peaceful and social by nature, it does best in groups of six or more, where individuals are noticeably bolder and more active. It fits well into community tanks alongside small characins, calmer cichlids, and other peaceful species, as long as its tankmates are not large or aggressive enough to intimidate it.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Long nosed arched cory
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Long nosed arched cory get?
- The Long nosed arched cory reaches about 1.5–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Long nosed arched cory need?
- A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for the Long nosed arched cory, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Long nosed arched cory need?
- The Long nosed arched cory does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 6–8, hardness around 1–25 dGH.
- Is the Long nosed arched cory aggressive?
- The Long nosed arched cory is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Long nosed arched cory eat?
- The Long nosed arched cory 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 Long nosed arched cory live?
- With good care, the Long nosed arched cory typically lives 3-5 years.