Ornate cory (Corydoras ornatus) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

Ornate corydoras, Brochis ornatus, Corydoras ornatus

Family

Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)

Origin

Brazil: the lower Tapajós River basin (a tributary of the lower Amazon), type locality about 80 km east of Jacareacanga.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

4.9 cm

Temperature

23–26°C

pH

6–8

Hardness

Soft to moderately hard (about 2–25 dGH)

Minimum tank

80 litres

Care level

intermediate

Temperament

peaceful

Care

A small, peaceful shoaling Corydoras that should be kept in a group of at least six of its own kind; larger groups behave more naturally and are more confident. A tank of around 80 litres with a long footprint suits a group (our estimate based on adult size and activity). Use soft sand, or at least smooth rounded gravel: sharp or chipped gravel wears down the barbels, which then become infected. Add driftwood, plants and some shade from overhanging wood, rockwork, tall or floating plants, while leaving open sand for foraging. Keep current gentle and the water well oxygenated, and do regular partial water changes, as Corydoras are sensitive to nitrate and dirty substrate. PlanetCatfish gives 23–26 °C. FishBase gives pH 6.0–8.0 and soft to moderately hard water; slightly acidic to neutral, soft water is a sensible target for wild-caught fish. Identification and sexing: a small cory up to about 4.9 cm SL; several similarly patterned species are traded, so check photos and the supplier's origin when buying. Females grow larger and are noticeably broader and fuller-bodied when seen from above; mature males are slimmer and have more pointed tips to the paired fins. Name: now classified as Brochis ornatus (PlanetCatfish lists it in a sub-clade of Brochis) after the 2024 split of Corydoras into Corydoras, Hoplisoma, Gastrodermus, Brochis and other genera; still usually sold as Corydoras ornatus. Status: IUCN Least Concern (assessed 2018, per FishBase). Mostly seen as wild-caught imports and not common in the trade. Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=622); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-ornatus.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous scavenger that sifts the sand for small invertebrates. Offer good-quality sinking pellets, tablets or granules as the staple, plus frozen or live bloodworm, Daphnia, brine shrimp and small worms several times a week. Make sure food actually reaches the bottom, as faster mid-water fish will take it first, and feed some after lights-out.

Breeding

PlanetCatfish has no aquarium breeding report for this species. FishBase describes the usual Corydoras pattern: the female holds a few eggs (2–4) between her pelvic fins, they are fertilised, and she sticks them to a clean surface, repeating until around 100 eggs are laid. If you want to try, condition a group with plenty of live and frozen food, then make a large, slightly cooler water change to trigger spawning. Remove the eggs or the adults afterwards, as adults will eat eggs, and raise fry on microworm and crushed fine foods over clean sand.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful shoaling catfish for a calm community of similar-sized fish: small tetras, pencilfish, hatchetfish, rasboras, dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma, and other Corydoras or small plecos. At under 5 cm it is easily outcompeted for food by larger bottom-dwellers. Avoid large or boisterous cichlids, fin-nippers that pester bottom-dwellers, and any fish big enough to swallow it. Very small shrimp fry may be eaten, but adult shrimp and snails are left alone.

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