Long nosed arched cory Long-nosed Skunk Cory (Corydoras narcissus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Long-nosed arched cory, Long-nosed skunk cory, Purus cory, Super arcuatus longnose
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Purus River basin in the middle Amazon, Brazil; described from creeks feeding the Rio Ipixuna near Humaitá.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
6.5 cm
Temperature
23–25°C
pH
6–7
Hardness
Soft to medium
Minimum tank
80 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

This is one of the larger long-snouted corys, reaching about 6.5 cm SL. It looks like a stretched skunk cory: a pale body with a dark stripe arching along the back, a longer snout, a more concave head profile and slightly darker base colour than Brochis arcuatus (the skunk cory). Keep a group of at least six. As a fairly large cory, a tank with a base of about 80 × 30 cm (roughly 80 litres) is a sensible minimum; this is our estimate. PlanetCatfish recommends a sandy floor, though small pea gravel is acceptable for larger fish, and plenty of shade. 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. Aim for 23–25 °C, pH 6–7 and soft to medium water (PlanetCatfish; FishBase gives a broader 22–26 °C and pH 6–8). 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. Females are larger and stouter, especially from above, and males have more pointed fin tips. PlanetCatfish warns that two species are sold as C. narcissus: the true one is longer and differently proportioned from Corydoras bethanae (formerly C. sp. "narcissus II", CW006), which is often traded under this name. Name note: PlanetCatfish and FishBase still keep it in Corydoras after the 2024 revision. It is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN (2018). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=241); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-narcissus.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous bottom forager. PlanetCatfish says it takes all prepared and frozen foods, especially bloodworm and brine shrimp, and adults gorge on chopped mussel. Give sinking tablets or granules as a staple so it is not left with scraps.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish describes breeding as unknown, with only one breeding report on record. 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 larger and stouter; males have more pointed fins.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and gets on with other catfish, though PlanetCatfish notes it can become quarrelsome with age. Good companions include South American dwarf cichlids and larger characins (tetras), plus other peaceful bottom-dwellers. Avoid large, aggressive fish.

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

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