Loretoensi Cory or Loretoensis Cory

About

Loretoensi (Corydoras loretoensis) is one of over 180 described species in a genus so diverse and charming that corys as a group rank among the most beloved catfish in the freshwater hobby. This species comes from the upper Amazon basin in South America, where it would naturally be found moving through shallow, soft-bottomed waters in the company of its own kind. It's a compact, armored catfish. Like all corys, it carries two rows of bony plates along its flanks rather than scales, and sports sharp pectoral fin spines worth keeping in mind when netting the fish. One detail that sets this species apart from many of its relatives is a notably long dorsal spine, giving it an elegant profile for such a small fish. In the aquarium, loretoensis is thoroughly peaceful and pairs well with small characins, dwarf cichlids, and other non-aggressive community fish. Keep it in groups of at least six. Lone corys tend to stay hidden, while a proper group will be noticeably more active and confident. You'll occasionally see them dart to the surface for a quick gulp of air, which is completely normal behavior rooted in their ability to extract oxygen from the atmosphere when needed. Sinking foods are a must, as these fish feed along the substrate and shouldn't be left to survive on whatever drifts down from above. With good care, they can be remarkably long-lived.