Albino Corydoras Aeneus 3cm Catfish

Overview

The Albino Cory is a captive-bred pink and white form of the Bronze Corydoras, with red eyes and the classic armoured, whiskered catfish shape. It shuffles constantly through the substrate in a busy, sociable group, sifting for food. Descended from South American stock, it suits any peaceful community aquarium and is one of the easiest catfish for a first tank.

• Adult Size: Around 7 cm (2.8 in); females larger and rounder
• Lifespan: 5–8 years, sometimes more

Origin

• Native to: Captive-bred form; wild species widespread across South America
• Habitat: Slow rivers and streams with sand or fine gravel

Feeding

• Diet: Omnivorous bottom feeder
• Preferred Foods: Sinking pellets, catfish wafers, bloodworm, Tubifex, daphnia, brine shrimp
• Feeding Habits: Feed once or twice daily after lights dim; do not rely on leftovers

Tank Mates

• Best with: Tetras, rasboras, guppies, small barbs, other Corydoras
• Avoid: Large or aggressive fish; fin-nippers; anything that will eat them

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful and gregarious; keep in groups of six or more
• Territoriality: None; happily shares the bottom of the tank

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner
• Challenges: Sharp gravel damages barbels; sensitive to salt and poor water quality

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, adaptable from soft to moderately hard
• Temperature: 21–27°C (70–81°F)
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Hardness: 2–15 dGH
• Flow: Slow to moderate
• Tank Size: Minimum 60 litres with an 80 cm base for a group of six

Final Notes

Buy a group rather than one or two; a lone cory is shy and short-lived. Use smooth sand so the barbels stay intact, and provide plants or wood for cover. Females are plumper and broader than males. Breeding is straightforward: a cool water change triggers spawning, eggs are stuck to glass or leaves, and hatch in three to four days. The albino form dislikes very bright lighting, so floating plants help it settle.