Peru black cory (Corydoras semiaquilus) care guide

Group

Freshwater fish

Other names

Peru black corydoras, Corydoras semiaquilus

Family

Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)

Origin

South America: the western Amazon basin (type locality Igarapé Preto on the upper Solimões, Amazonas, Brazil); exported from Peru.

Water

freshwater

Maximum size

6 cm

Temperature

22–26°C

pH

6–8

Hardness

Soft to moderately hard (FishBase: 2–25 dGH)

Minimum tank

100 litres

Care level

beginner

Temperament

peaceful

Care

One of the larger long-snouted Corydoras, best kept in a group of six or more. Allow about 100 litres for a group (our estimate from its 6 cm adult size), with a long, open floor area. 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 22–26 °C. FishBase gives pH 6.0–8.0 and 2–25 dGH; soft, slightly acidic to neutral water is a good target. Identification and sexing: a larger cory (up to 6 cm SL) with extensive dark colouring, as the trade name suggests; several similar species exist, so buy from a supplier who knows the origin. 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: PlanetCatfish and FishBase still place it in Corydoras (it was not moved in the 2024 split). Status: IUCN Least Concern (assessed 2020, per FishBase). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=494); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-semiaquilus.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 records that it has been bred in aquariums. Breeding is expected to follow the usual Corydoras pattern: condition the group on plenty of live and frozen food, then trigger spawning with a large, slightly cooler water change. The female carries a few eggs at a time between her pelvic fins and sticks them to the glass, plants or decor. Move the eggs to a separate container with gentle aeration, remove any that fungus, and raise the fry on microworm and baby brine shrimp over a thin layer of 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. Its larger size makes it a good match for slightly bigger community fish, but it is still harmless. 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.