Leopard Cory

About

The leopard catfish (Corydoras leopardus) is a small, spotted bottom dweller from the western Amazon River basin, where it lives among leaf litter and sandy substrates in slow-moving waters. Its pattern of dark spots and speckles on a lighter body gives it a busy, almost dappled look that helps it blend into its natural environment. Like other members of the Corydoras group, it has the habit of periodically darting to the surface to gulp air, using its stomach lining to extract additional oxygen. A normal and fascinating adaptation you will notice regularly in a home aquarium. Make sure you leave a couple of inches between the waterline and the tank lid so these quick surface dashes don't end in a collision. One of the most endearing quirks of this species is its ability to tilt its eyes downward to inspect the substrate, which can look almost like a blink to anyone watching. Leopard catfish are social by nature and genuinely do better in groups. The more you keep together, the more relaxed and active they become. Plan for a group of at least five or six if you can manage it. With proper care, these little catfish can live for well over a decade, making them a long-term commitment and a rewarding one at that.