Pastaza corydoras (Corydoras pastazensis) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Pastaza cory, Pastaza catfish
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
Upper Río Pastaza basin in Ecuador, and the Ucayali and Puinahua rivers in Peru.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
7 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
5–7
Hardness
Soft to medium, 2–12 dGH
Minimum tank
81 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A fairly large, robust cory with a body peppered in small dark spots and a dark bar that tapers away low on the flank. It is peaceful and gregarious: keep a group of at least six to eight of the one species. Seriously Fish suggests a tank with a base of at least 90 × 30 cm (around 81 litres). Use soft sand, or smooth rounded gravel kept very clean, so it can forage without damaging its barbels, and add driftwood, plants and some shade with open sand at the front. Aim for 22–28 °C, pH 5.0–7.0 and soft to moderately hard water (2–12 dGH). As with all corys, keep nitrate low with regular water changes, keep the substrate clean, and be careful with salt and medications, which corys tolerate poorly. Occasional dashes to the surface to gulp air are normal. Females grow larger than males and, when mature, are rounder and broader, especially when full of eggs. Name notes: Seriously Fish still lists it as Corydoras pastazensis. The Río Tigre population has been described as a separate species, C. orcesi, although not everyone accepts this, so fish sold under either name may look similar. Many Corydoras were moved to new genera in 2024; we could not confirm where this species now sits, so check current listings. We could not read the PlanetCatfish or FishBase pages for this species when checking, so this page relies on Seriously Fish. Sources: Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/corydoras-pastazensis/). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A foraging omnivore. Feed good sinking dried foods (pellets, tablets or wafers) as the staple and add small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm and Tubifex for variety and condition. Make sure food reaches the bottom rather than relying on leftovers.

Breeding

Seriously Fish gives no detailed breeding account. As a general guide for corys of this type: use two or more males to each female, condition them on live and frozen foods, then trigger spawning with a large, slightly cooler water change and extra aeration. Eggs are stuck to glass, plants or mops; remove the eggs or the adults afterwards and raise the fry on microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful and suitable for a community of small to medium, non-aggressive fish such as tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids and other peaceful catfish. Avoid large or boisterous fish that could bully it or take all the food.

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

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