Wide cory (Corydoras latus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Gastrodermus latus
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Beni River basin, Bolivia (upper Madeira system).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
5.2 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
Soft to hard, 2–25 dGH
Minimum tank
54 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

The wide cory is a little-known Bolivian cory reaching about 5.2 cm SL. Like other corys it is peaceful and social, so keep a group of at least six of the one species. 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. Use fine sand, or at least smooth rounded gravel kept very clean, so the fish can sift for food without wearing down their barbels. Add driftwood, plants and some shade, leaving an open patch of floor for foraging. FishBase gives 22–26 °C, pH 6–8 and 2–25 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. Name note: after the 2024 split of Corydoras it is now classified as Gastrodermus latus (FishBase); it is listed on the site under its older name Corydoras latus. We have given the page the English name "wide cory", used by FishBase. It is rarely seen in the trade. FishBase lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (2020). We could not find a PlanetCatfish page for this check. Sources: FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-latus.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous bottom forager. Give good-quality sinking tablets or granules as the staple, with small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp several times a week.

Breeding

No breeding details found. Try the usual cory approach: condition a group with more males than females on live and frozen foods, then do a large, slightly cooler water change. Females are usually larger and rounder than males.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and gregarious. Keep with small, calm community fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids and other peaceful catfish. Avoid large, aggressive or food-grabbing fish.

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

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