Common Name: CW169 Cory Catfish
Scientific Name: Corydoras sp.
Other Names: CW169 Cory
The CW169 Cory Catfish is a relatively new and uncommon species within the Corydoras genus. It features a distinctive body shape and coloration, often displaying a combination of soft tan, brown, or golden hues with darker markings along its flanks. Like all Corydoras, it is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that thrives in groups and is an excellent addition to community aquariums. It is highly active, frequently foraging along the substrate and exhibiting playful schooling behavior.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to South America, this species is found in slow-moving rivers, tributaries, and flooded forest areas with sandy or muddy substrates. The natural habitat consists of warm, well-oxygenated water with leaf litter, submerged roots, and occasional aquatic vegetation.
Size and Lifespan:
CW169 Corydoras grows to approximately 2.5-3 inches (6-7.5 cm) in length. With proper care, it can live for 8-10 years.
Diet and Behavior:
This species is an omnivore, feeding on a mix of small invertebrates, plant material, and organic debris in the wild. In captivity, its diet should include high-quality sinking pellets or wafers, frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, and brine shrimp, and blanched vegetables like zucchini or spinach. They are peaceful and should be kept in groups of at least five or more to encourage natural behaviors. Like other Corydoras, they frequently sift through the substrate and occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air.
Breeding and Reproduction:
CW169 Corydoras are egg scatterers, depositing their eggs on smooth surfaces such as plant leaves, aquarium glass, or decorations. To encourage breeding, frequent water changes with slightly cooler water can mimic rainy season conditions, dense vegetation or broad-leaved plants should be provided, and a protein-rich diet with live or frozen foods should be maintained. Adults do not guard their eggs, so they should be removed after spawning to prevent them from consuming the eggs. The eggs hatch in 3-5 days, and fry should be fed powdered fry food or newly hatched brine shrimp.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended, with a larger tank preferred for bigger schools. Their ideal tank setup includes a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate barbels, driftwood, leaf litter, and caves to replicate their natural environment, gentle filtration such as sponge or canister filters, low to moderate water flow, and dim to moderate lighting with floating plants for additional shade.
Ideal Tank Mates:
CW169 Corydoras are peaceful and do well in community aquariums with similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Suitable tank mates include small peaceful tetras (Cardinal, Rummy Nose, Ember Tetras), dwarf cichlids (Apistogramma, Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), small rasboras and danios, other Corydoras species, and peaceful dwarf gouramis. Avoid aggressive fish or species that may outcompete them for food.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. They are hardy and adaptable but require stable water conditions and a group setting to thrive.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72-80°F (22-27°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 2-12 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-8 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- CW169 is a relatively rare species in the aquarium trade and may still be undergoing scientific classification.
- They exhibit slight color variations based on collection location and environmental conditions.
- Their highly social nature makes them an excellent choice for community tanks, as they actively interact with other Corydoras.
The CW169 Cory Catfish is an engaging and peaceful species that brings activity and natural bottom-foraging behavior to aquariums. With proper care, they make an excellent choice for aquarists looking to add a unique and rare Corydoras to their collection.
