Dirty bandit cory

About

Found in the Meta River basin of Colombia, this lesser-known member of the armored catfish clan, Corydoras loxozonus, carries all the hallmarks that make corydoras so appealing to freshwater keepers. Like all members of the genus, it sports two rows of bony lateral plates instead of scales, giving it that characteristic tank-like profile, and it comes equipped with sharp pectoral fin spines worth keeping in mind whenever you're netting the fish. One quirk you'll notice quickly is the occasional dart to the surface for a gulp of air. All corydoras are facultative air breathers, able to extract oxygen through a specialized section of intestine, and a few trips to the surface each day is perfectly normal behavior. Where it gets interesting is the lifespan: well-cared-for individuals can live well into their teens or beyond, so this is genuinely a long-term commitment. It's a schooling species through and through, and a group of at least six will produce fish that are visibly bolder and more active than lone individuals or small trios. Good tankmates are small, peaceful community fish, though companions should be chosen with its preference for the cooler end of the tropical range in mind. Feed sinking foods to ensure it actually gets its share. Breeding is achievable for patient keepers willing to replicate seasonal water changes.