Blue corydoras Natterer's Cory (Corydoras nattereri) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

Natterer's cory, Blue corydoras, Hoplisoma nattereri

Family

Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)

Origin

Coastal rivers of south-eastern Brazil, from Espírito Santo south through Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to Paraná.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

5.4 cm

Temperature

20–23°C

pH

6–7.6

Hardness

3–18 dGH (estimated)

Minimum tank

54 litres

Care level

beginner

Temperament

peaceful

Care

A peaceful shoaling cory from the coastal rivers of south-eastern Brazil. Keep a group of at least 6. A tank of around 60 × 30 cm (about 54 litres) suits a small group; this is our estimate from its adult size. Use sand or smooth, rounded gravel (never sharp gravel, which wears down the barbels), with driftwood, plants and shade from overhanging rock or bogwood. It comes from cooler water than most corys: PlanetCatfish gives 20–23 °C, so do not keep it in a warm tropical tank. Keep the water clean and well oxygenated, and avoid copper-based treatments. Females are larger and fuller-bodied, which is easiest to see from above; mature males are slimmer and have more pointed fins. Names: since the 2024 revision of the armoured catfishes it is now classified as Hoplisoma nattereri (the name PlanetCatfish uses); it is still sold as Corydoras nattereri. It was named after the Austrian naturalist Johann Natterer. It has not been evaluated by the IUCN. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=256). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivore that forages over the bottom. PlanetCatfish notes it takes all prepared foods that reach the bottom (sinking tablets, granules and flakes) as well as live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white worm and Daphnia. Feed it properly in its own right rather than relying on leftovers, and feed after lights-out if faster fish take everything first.

Breeding

Has been bred in aquariums; PlanetCatfish holds three breeding reports. Spawning follows the usual Corydoras pattern: the pair takes up the "T-position", and the female holds a few eggs between her pelvic fins and sticks them to the glass, plants or décor, repeating this many times. Conditioning on live and frozen food, then a large water change with slightly cooler water, is the usual trigger. Remove the eggs or the adults, as the parents will eat the eggs, and raise the fry on microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful shoaling catfish for a community of small, calm fish: small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids and other small catfish. Avoid large or boisterous fish that could bully or eat it, and fin-nippers. Pick companions that are happy at 20–23 °C.

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