Corydoradinae

Corydoradinae Catfish (Corys, Armored Catfish)

The Corydoradinae are a subfamily of small, peaceful armored catfish belonging to the family Callichthyidae, beloved by aquarists for their charming personalities, social behavior, and adaptability. Native to rivers and streams throughout South America, these catfish inhabit a variety of freshwater environments — from calm floodplains to clear, fast-flowing forest creeks.

Appearance & Diversity

Corydoradinae species are easily recognized by their compact bodies covered in rows of bony plates, downward-facing mouths with sensitive barbels, and their playful, shoaling habits. They come in a dazzling range of patterns and colors — from the classic Bronze Cory and Peppered Cory, to striking modern variants like the Albino, Panda, or Snow White forms. With more than 200 described species and morphs, there’s a Corydoradinae for every aquarium style and size.

Behavior & Temperament

These catfish are gentle, social bottom-dwellers that thrive in groups of six or more. They spend their time foraging along the substrate for leftover food, often performing quick dashes to the surface for a breath of air — a unique trait of the group. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal companions in community aquariums with tetras, rasboras, small gouramis, and larger shrimp.

Care & Requirements

Corydoradinae prefer soft, clean, well-oxygenated water with fine sand or smooth gravel substrate to protect their delicate barbels. Most species do best in temperatures between 68–78 °F and slightly acidic to neutral pH. They accept a wide range of sinking foods — pellets, wafers, and frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp. We feed a wide range of EBO foods in house, and the occasional treat of live or frozen foods.

Why Choose Corydoradinae?

• Hardy, peaceful, and perfect for beginners

• Fascinating group behavior and active foraging habits

• Huge diversity of colors, patterns, and sizes

• Great for planted and community aquariums

Explore our full range of Corydoradinae species — from classic wild types to rare, selectively bred varieties — and discover why these charming armored catfish are some of the most loved freshwater aquarium fish in the world.