Robusta Cory

About

Found in the Purus River basin of the middle Amazon, this robust little catfish, Corydoras robustus, is one of the bigger members of a genus that already counts well over 180 described species. It doesn't show up in the trade all that often, which makes it a genuinely rewarding find for cory enthusiasts. Males develop a noticeably extended first dorsal fin ray as they mature, giving them a bit more presence than the average cory. Like all members of the group, C. robustus is armored rather than scaled, carrying two rows of bony plates along each flank in place of conventional scales. And those sharp pectoral spines are worth keeping in mind whenever you're moving fish around with a net. Behaviorally, it fits the classic cory mold: peaceful, bottom-oriented, and far more confident when kept in a group of six or more. It's a facultative air breather, so you'll occasionally see it dart to the surface for a quick gulp. Perfectly normal behavior, though a spike in frequency can signal deteriorating water quality. Feed it sinking foods to make sure it's actually getting enough to eat rather than relying on scraps. Keep it with other peaceful fish, and avoid anything large enough to treat it as a snack. This species can be long-lived, so it's a genuine commitment.