CW125 Aspidoras Catfish (1”)

Scientific Name: Aspidoras sp. CW125

Maximum Size & Lifespan:

• Grows to about 1.5–2 inches 

• Lifespan of 5–8 years with good care

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes & Care:

• Minimum tank size of 10-20 gallons (75 liters), ideally a long, shallow footprint to accommodate group swimming

• Temperature 68-76 °F
• Ph Range 6-7.5

• Keep in groups of at least 6–10, as they are schooling and shy alone

• Weekly 30–40% water changes to maintain water quality

• Soft sand substrate preferred to protect delicate barbels

• Provide shaded areas, driftwood, leaf litter, and plants for cover

• Gentle filtration with moderate flow, as they enjoy some current but not excessive turbulence

Tankmates:

• Peaceful community species such as small tetras, rasboras, danios, pencilfish, and dwarf cichlids

• Other small peaceful catfish like Corydoras and Otocinclus

• Avoid large, aggressive, or overly boisterous fish

Diet:

• Omnivorous; will feed on sinking prepared foods, micro-pellets, and tablets

• Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops, and microworms

• Enjoys grazing on biofilm and detritus but should not be expected to “clean” the tank

Overview:

• CW125 is a rare and less commonly seen Aspidoras species, very similar in appearance to dwarf Corydoras but more delicate

• Known for their schooling behavior and preference for cooler, well-oxygenated water

• Best kept by aquarists with some experience in maintaining sensitive dwarf catfish

Natural Environment:

• Endemic to small, shallow streams and creeks in Brazil

• Found in sandy or muddy bottoms with leaf litter, shaded by forest canopy

• Water is typically soft, slightly acidic to neutral, with low conductivity and good oxygenation

Breeding:

• Breeding behavior is similar to Corydoras, though more challenging due to their sensitivity

• Males pursue females; eggs are typically deposited on glass, plants, or decor

• Conditioning with live foods and simulating seasonal rains with cooler water changes can trigger spawning

• Eggs are small and adhesive, but fry are delicate and require tiny live foods such as infusoria, rotifers, and later baby brine shrimp

• Not yet common in the hobby, and captive breeding is still relatively rare