Sixray corydoras, false corydoras (Aspidoras pauciradiatus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Sixray corydoras, Gastrodermus pauciradiatus, Six-ray cory, False corydoras
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Brazil: upper Araguaia River basin; the type locality is near Aruanã in Goiás State.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
2.9 cm
Temperature
22–25°C
pH
6–7.2
Hardness
Soft to medium, up to 12 dGH
Minimum tank
45 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A tiny, peaceful shoaling catfish that should be kept in a group of at least six, and preferably more of the one species. Sand is the best substrate; rounded gravel will do, but avoid rough-edged gravel, which damages the barbels as the fish forage. PlanetCatfish recommends driftwood, plants and shady areas. Neither source gives a tank size; for such a small fish, a tank of about 60 × 30 cm (around 45 litres of water) is our estimate for a group. Keep filtration gentle. PlanetCatfish and FishBase give 22–25 °C, pH 6.0–7.2 and hardness up to 12 dGH. Keep the water clean and stable with regular partial changes; like corys it is sensitive to poor water, salt and some medications. It can gulp air at the surface, which is normal. Sexing: females are larger and fuller-bodied, best seen from above; males develop more pointed fin tips as they mature. The name pauciradiatus means "few rays", from its short dorsal fin with only six rays, hence the common name. Name: PlanetCatfish and FishBase now place it in Gastrodermus, as Gastrodermus pauciradiatus, but it is still sold as "Aspidoras pauciradiatus". It is available in the trade. FishBase lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2018). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=383); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Aspidoras-pauciradiatus.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Accepts all prepared foods that reach the bottom, such as small sinking tablets and granules, and readily takes live or frozen foods such as bloodworm and Tubifex-type worms. Use small food sizes for this tiny fish and make sure it gets its share.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish records that it has been bred in the aquarium. Follow the usual cory approach: condition a group with more males than females on live and frozen foods, then trigger spawning with a large water change using slightly cooler water. The eggs are small, so check plants, glass and décor carefully, and move eggs or adults afterwards. Feed the fry infusoria or microworm at first, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful community fish for a tank of small, gentle species: small tetras, pencilfish, small rasboras, dwarf cichlids and other small corys. Avoid large or boisterous fish that could bully it or outcompete it for food.

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].