Bannertail Cory

The bannertail cory is recognized by its tail: the horizontal black and white stripes running along the tail fin are not seen in any other common corydoras and have earned the fish its "bannertail" name. Its pale gray, relatively elongated body has a dark stripe running from end to end. Adults reach 6–7 cm and are somewhat longer-bodied than many other corydoras.

It comes from the blackwater tributaries of the Rio Negro; so it is at its best in soft, slightly acidic, clean water. It is not as tolerant of sudden changes as aeneus or paleatus.

It lives in the blackwater tributaries of the Rio Negro basin, in very soft, acidic waters darkened by tannins. The bottom is covered with fine sand and leaf litter, and the light is dim because of the forest canopy.

• Volume: at least 80 liters for a group of 6–10; a base length of 80 cm or more is preferred.
• Substrate: fine, soft sand; a few dried leaves.
• Water: 22–26°C; pH 5.5–7, soft water. Keep parameters stable.
• Light: light softened by floating plants; shaded corners.
• Maintenance: 20–30% water change weekly and low nitrate.

Sinking granules and tablets; frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Whet the appetite of newly arrived fish with frozen food and switch them gradually to dry food.

A peaceful, calm bottom dweller. It is bolder in a group of its own kind; kept in small numbers it hides in the shadows. Since it is somewhat longer-bodied than other corydoras, it roams wider areas of the bottom; it is not comfortable on a crowded, cramped bottom.

Good companions: cardinal and neon tetras, rummy-nose tetras, pencilfish, apistogrammas, otocinclus, small fish that like soft water.

Avoid: cichlids that claim the bottom, large and boisterous fish, species that need hard, alkaline water.

At least 6, ideally 10 or more individuals. As the group grows, the behavior of roaming the bottom together becomes more pronounced. It can be kept with other corydoras that need similar water.

It is bred in the aquarium. Soft, acidic water, rich feeding and a somewhat cooler water change encourage spawning. The female sticks the eggs to the glass and leaves; the eggs hatch in 3–5 days. Since the eggs are sensitive to fungus, clean water and gentle aeration help when they are moved to a separate container.

• It is sensitive to shipping and sudden water changes; slow acclimation is recommended.
• Barbel erosion: dirty or sharp substrate.
• It is sensitive to salt and copper-based medications.

Females are larger and plumper; viewed from above, the belly area is broad. Males are slimmer.