Long nosed smudge spot cory

About

Found in the Purus River basin of Brazil, Corydoras ourastigma is a small armored catfish that stands out among its relatives thanks to a noticeably elongated snout. A feature that immediately separates it from the handful of similar-looking species it's often confused with at first glance. Those lookalikes, including C. similis and C. caudimaculatus, differ in body shape, spot definition, and color, but ourastigma's long snout is the clincher for identification. It also carries a smudged grey-to-black blotch near the tail base that looks a little softer and less crisp than the bold spot on caudimaculatus. Like all corydoras, it occasionally darts to the surface to gulp air. This is completely normal behavior tied to a supplemental breathing ability, not a sign that anything is wrong, though you do want a couple of inches of clearance beneath the hood. It's a thoroughly peaceful fish that does best in a group of at least six, becoming noticeably more active and confident with company. Good tankmates are other small, non-aggressive species. Tiny characins, dwarf cichlids, and peaceful surface swimmers all work well. With proper care these fish are surprisingly long-lived, so this is a commitment worth thinking about before you buy.