Pastaza Corydora

About

Found in the Pastaza River basin of Ecuador, Corydoras pastazensis is one of the many armored catfishes in the massive Callichthyidae family. Recognized by the rows of bony plates running along their bodies instead of ordinary scales. This particular species is peppered with small dark spots across the body, and the dark vertical bar near the front of the body tends to break apart or taper off toward the lower flank. That pattern is actually the clearest way to separate it from the closely related C. orcesi, which carries a more continuous bar and fewer, bolder spots. Taxonomically this group can get complicated, and not all authorities agree on where exactly the species boundaries fall. One of the more fascinating things about this fish, and cories in general, is a modified intestine capable of absorbing atmospheric oxygen. You will occasionally see them dart to the surface for a quick gulp of air. This is completely normal behavior. Worth knowing: the stiffened pectoral spines can pierce skin and the resulting sting can be genuinely painful, so handle these fish with care. Keep them in groups of at least six to eight, as they are decidedly social and will be noticeably more active and confident in larger numbers. With proper care they are remarkably long-lived little fish.