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Sychri Cory

Corydoras sychri

Also known as: sychri, Sychri

A tiny Peruvian catfish that blinks, breathes air, and loves company.

Sychri Cory
CC BY-SA 3.0

About

Sychri (Corydoras sychri) is a small, sociable catfish native to the Nanay River basin in Loreto, Peru, where it inhabits slow or gentle waters with soft substrates. Like all corydoras, it has the characteristic armored body plates and the whiskered, downturned mouth that makes the group so recognizable. One of the more charming quirks of this species, and the whole Corydoras clan, is the ability to gulp air directly from the surface. This is a normal physiological behavior: the fish absorb oxygen through the stomach lining, a handy adaptation for low-oxygen conditions. If you keep them, make sure there is adequate clearance between the water surface and the tank lid so they can surface freely without injury. Another endearing trait is the ability to tilt their eyes downward, almost appearing to "blink," which often surprises people seeing it for the first time. Sychri is a schooling species that genuinely does better in groups. A lone individual will be shy and inactive, while a group of six or more will be noticeably bolder and more entertaining to watch. They are peaceful bottom-dwellers that coexist well with most community fish. Intermediate care experience is recommended, mostly to ensure stable water conditions and proper group dynamics.

Frequently asked questions

How big does the Sychri Cory get?
The Sychri Cory reaches about 1–2.5" as an adult.
What size tank does the Sychri Cory need?
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for the Sychri Cory, with more room needed for a proper group.
What water parameters does the Sychri Cory need?
The Sychri Cory does best with a temperature of 72–79Β°F, a pH of 6–8, hardness around 2–25 dGH.
Is the Sychri Cory aggressive?
The Sychri Cory is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
What does the Sychri Cory eat?
The Sychri Cory 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 Sychri Cory live?
With good care, the Sychri Cory typically lives 4-5 years.