Guaramiranga cory (Aspidoras rochai) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

Loach catfish

Family

Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)

Origin

Coastal rivers of Ceará State, north-eastern Brazil; described from Guaramiranga.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

4 cm

Temperature

21–25°C

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

Soft to medium, up to about 14 dGH

Minimum tank

54 litres

Care level

intermediate

Temperament

peaceful

Care

Aspidoras are small relatives of Corydoras with a slimmer, more elongated body. This species reaches about 4 cm SL (PlanetCatfish; FishBase gives 4.4 cm). It is a peaceful, shoaling community fish, so keep a group of at least six. A tank with a base of about 60 × 30 cm (roughly 54 litres) is a sensible minimum; this is our estimate, as the sources give no tank size. PlanetCatfish recommends sand, with rounded gravel only as an imperfect alternative; avoid sharp or chipped gravel, which damages the barbels. Border the floor with driftwood and plants, leaving open space to forage and swim, and give shade with rockwork, bogwood and plants to help it settle. FishBase gives 21–25 °C, pH 6–7.5 and water up to about 14 dGH. Keep nitrate low with regular partial water changes and do not let waste build up in the substrate, as dirty conditions quickly lead to eroded barbels and infections. Corys handle salt and many medications (especially copper) poorly, so treat with care. Darting to the surface for a gulp of air now and then is normal: they breathe air through the gut. The pectoral-fin spines are sharp and can give a painful jab, so take care when netting and handling. FishBase notes a pale stripe along the middle row of body plates. Females are larger and fuller-bodied, best seen from above, and mature males have more pointed fin tips than females. The old common name "loach catfish" is a loose name used for several Aspidoras; PlanetCatfish and FishBase call this species the Guaramiranga cory. It is very rarely seen in the trade. It is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN (2018). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=6708); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Aspidoras-rochai.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous bottom forager. PlanetCatfish says it takes prepared foods that reach the floor, such as tablets, granules and flake, and readily eats bloodworm, white worm, grindal worm, Daphnia and Tubifex-type worms, which are also useful for conditioning before spawning.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish has no breeding reports for this species. Other Aspidoras spawn much like Corydoras: condition a group on live and frozen foods and try a cooler water change. Females are larger and rounder, and males have more pointed fins.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful, shoaling community fish. Keep with small, calm species such as small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids and other small catfish. Avoid large, boisterous or nippy fish.

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