FishFreshwaterIntermediatePeaceful

This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish'

Corydoras pantanalensis

Also known as: C005

A long-lived Bolivian cory with a quirky air-gulping habit worth watching for.

This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish'

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CC BY-SA 3.0

About

Native to the Cussis and Las Petas River basins in Bolivia, Corydoras pantanalensis is a small, peaceful catfish also known to collectors by its C-number designation, C005. Like many of its relatives, it is a facultative air-breather, periodically darting to the surface to gulp air directly into its stomach. A completely normal behavior, not a distress signal. If you keep the water level high, make sure there is enough clearance between the surface and the hood so the fish can reach air comfortably. Watching them do this, along with their ability to tilt and seemingly "blink" their eyes while inspecting the substrate, makes them surprisingly engaging little animals. This species is sociable and genuinely needs the company of its own kind. A group of at least six will produce far more relaxed, active fish than a lone individual or a pair ever would. It fits well in most peaceful community setups alongside small characins, dwarf cichlids, and similarly sized tankmates, but should not be housed with anything large or aggressive enough to bully or predate on it. Captive breeding is thought to follow the typical Corydoras pattern, with cooler water changes used to trigger spawning. One of the more rewarding aspects of this species is its longevity. Well-kept individuals can live well into their teens and beyond.

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At a glance

Type: Fish
Water: Freshwater
Adult size: 1.5–3"
Min tank: 18 gal
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Origin: South America: Cussis and Las Petas River basins in Bolivia.
Diet: Omnivore
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming level: Bottom
Schooling: Yes

Water parameters

Temperature: 70–82°F
pH: 6–7.5
Hardness: 3–15 dGH

Care guide

Keep in groups of at least six for confident, active behavior. Provide a sandy or fine gravel substrate where they can forage naturally. Ensure adequate surface access for air-gulping. Maintain at least 2 inches clearance between water level and hood to prevent collision. Feed a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms, and occasional live foods. They're compatible with small peaceful community fish but vulnerable to larger predators. Perform regular water changes and maintain good filtration without strong direct flow at substrate level, as they prefer to feed undisturbed on the bottom.

Breeding

Breeding is possible but unconfirmed in captivity for this species. Follow standard Corydoras protocol: use a separate breeding tank with sand substrate and gentle sponge filtration. Condition a group with more males than females on quality live and frozen foods. Trigger spawning with large partial water changes using cooler water, repeated daily. Adults will eat eggs, so remove them immediately and hatch separately in aged water with methylene blue to prevent fungus. Fry eat microworm and brine shrimp nauplii after 3-4 days; raising them over sand reduces disease risk.

Region

🌎 Amazon & South America

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Good tank mates

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Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank

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Frequently asked questions

How big does the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' get?: The This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' reaches about 1.5–3" as an adult.
What size tank does the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' need?: A minimum of 18 gallons is recommended for the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish', with more room needed for a proper group.
What water parameters does the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' need?: The This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' does best with a temperature of 70–82°F, a pH of 6–7.5, hardness around 3–15 dGH.
Is the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' aggressive?: The This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
What does the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' eat?: The This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
How long does the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' live?: With good care, the This appears to be a catalog code rather than a common name. Corydoras pantanalensis is known as 'Pantanal Corydoras' or 'Pantanal Catfish' typically lives 15-25 years.