Aspidoras Cory-Cat Pygmy Aspidoras (Aspidoras lakoi) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Upper Paraná basin, Brazil; type locality a forest stream near Passos, Minas Gerais.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
4 cm
Temperature
22–25°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
5–20 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
40 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A small cory-like catfish, up to about 4 cm standard length. Aspidoras are close relatives of Corydoras with a slimmer body, and are kept in much the same way: in a group of at least six, on fine sand, with plants, wood and leaf litter for cover and open areas for foraging. We suggest at least 40 litres for a group (an estimate). PlanetCatfish gives no water parameters or detailed care notes for this species, and it has no registered keepers there, so it is rarely seen in the trade. Fish sold under this name may be misidentified; check the identity with the seller. As a species from forest streams in the Upper Paraná, clean, well-oxygenated water and moderate temperatures are a sensible starting point, but please treat this as general guidance rather than species-specific data. It has not been assessed on the IUCN Red List. The species is named after Carlos Lako. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=86). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Like other Aspidoras, feed small sinking foods such as micro pellets and crushed tablets, with small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish has no breeding reports for this species.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful. Keep with small, calm fish such as small tetras, pencilfish and other small catfish. Avoid large or boisterous tankmates.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers can only take PayPal or cash on collection. Business sellers can take PayPal or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have 50 sales, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: [email protected].