False network catfish (Corydoras sodalis) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
False network cory, Sodalis cory, Brochis sodalis
Family
Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)
Origin
The Amazon in Loreto, Peru, and Amazonas state, Brazil.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
4.9 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
6–8
Hardness
2–25 dGH
Minimum tank
54 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful

Care

A cory with a fine dark net-like pattern, sold as the "false network catfish" because it looks very like the network cory (Corydoras reticulatus). Keep a group of at least six of the same species. A tank with a base of about 60 × 30 cm (around 54 litres) suits a group – this is our estimate. Use soft sand, with plants, roots and leaf litter for cover and an open area for feeding. FishBase gives 22–26 °C, pH 6–8 and 2–25 dGH. Keep the water clean with regular partial changes and a tidy substrate; like other corys it is sensitive to salt and many medications, and it breathes air at the surface now and then. As in other corys, females are larger and broader-bodied when seen from above. It is easily confused with C. reticulatus, so trade fish are not always labelled correctly. FishBase now lists the valid name as Brochis sodalis, following the 2024 revision of Corydoras; it is still sold as "Corydoras sodalis". FishBase lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2020). We could not find and read a PlanetCatfish page for this species for this update. Sources: FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Corydoras-sodalis.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An omnivorous bottom forager. Feed good sinking tablets and pellets daily, plus live or frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and small worms. Make sure food reaches the bottom.

Breeding

Few detailed reports. A general cory approach – conditioning a group on live and frozen food and then a large, slightly cooler water change – is the usual way to try. Remove the sticky eggs or the adults after spawning and raise the fry on microworm and newly hatched brine shrimp.

Compatibility and tank mates

A peaceful community fish. Keep it with small, gentle tankmates such as tetras, pencilfish, rasboras and dwarf cichlids, and other small corys.

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

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