NAPOENSIS CORYDORAS

Common Name: Napoensis Corydoras

Scientific Name: Corydoras napoensis — Napo Corydoras

Family: Callichthyidae

Origin: Napo River basin, Ecuador (Upper Amazon tributaries)

SPECIES OVERVIEW

Body Shape: Small and compact with the typical Corydoras arched back

Dark, often broken mid-lateral stripe from snout to caudal peduncle

Fins: Clear to lightly marked

Note: The patterning is subtle and can resemble some spotted Corydoras, but C. napoensis remains smaller and more delicate-looking.

Often found foraging together at the bottom

Pale beige to light golden body

Fine speckling over the head and flanks

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Aquarium Size: 40 litres for a small group

Lifespan: 5–8 years

Adult Size: Up to 4.5 cm

WATER PARAMETERS

Temperature: 22–26°C

pH: 6.0–7.2

Hardness: Soft to moderately soft

AQUARIUM SETUP

Water Flow: Gentle

Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect delicate barbels

Décor: Driftwood, leaf litter, live plants, and shaded hiding areas

Filtration: Gentle, well-oxygenated, and clean water

May startle easily; appreciates shaded areas and low light

Soft, acidic to neutral water with leaf litter suits this rainforest-stream catfish.

DIET & FEEDING

Diet: Omnivorous bottom-dweller

Suitable Foods: Micropellets, finely crushed sinking foods

• Algae wafers and blanched vegetables occasionally

Bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp

TANKMATES

Suitable Tankmates: Small, peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and dwarf cichlids

Avoid large or aggressive fish

GROUP SIZE

Peaceful, shy, and social; best kept in groups of six or more

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Spawning Method: Egg scatterer

IUCN Status: Not Evaluated

Notes: A small, subtly patterned Corydoras species that thrives in peaceful, softwater aquariums; well-suited for biotope setups with leaf litter and driftwood

Triggered by cooler water changes and protein-rich diet

Eggs usually deposited on glass or plant surfaces

Eggs hatch in 3–4 days

Start fry on infusoria or powdered fry foods