LARGE Skunk Cory (1.75-2”)

Scientific Name: Corydoras arcuatus 

Maximum Size & Lifespan

• Grows to about 2.5" in length.

• Lifespan averages 5–8 years with good care, though some may live longer in optimal conditions.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes & Care

• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small group, as they are schooling fish and do best in groups of 6 or more.

• Water parameters:

  • Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5
    

• Water changes: 25–30% weekly to maintain water quality and stability.

• Substrate should be soft sand or smooth fine gravel to protect their delicate barbels.

• Provide plenty of hiding spots with driftwood, caves, and dense plants, while also leaving open swimming areas.

• Use a gentle filter flow—they dislike strong currents.

Tankmates

• Peaceful and compatible with other small, non-aggressive fish.

• Ideal companions: small tetras, rasboras, danios, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids (like Apistogramma), other Corydoras, and peaceful loaches.

• Avoid fin-nippers or aggressive species.

Diet

• Omnivorous bottom feeders.

• Accept a variety of high-quality sinking pellets or wafers, supplemented with:

  • Frozen bloodworms, and brine shrimp)
    

• Feed small portions 1–2 times daily.

Overview
The Skunk Corydoras is a charming, peaceful bottom-dweller named for its distinctive black stripe running from the snout over the back to the tail. They thrive in clean, well-oxygenated aquariums with stable parameters and the company of their own kind. Active during the day, they forage constantly and help keep the substrate tidy (though they are not “cleaners” in the maintenance sense).

Natural Environment

• Native to upper Amazon Basin regions in Peru and Ecuador.

• Found in slow-moving streams and small tributaries with sandy or muddy bottoms.

• Water in their habitats is typically soft, slightly acidic, and clear to slightly tannin-stained.

Breeding

• Breeding in captivity is possible but requires triggering with cooler, softer water and large water changes to simulate rainy season conditions.

• They spawn in the typical Corydoras T-position, with the female carrying fertilized eggs to deposit on plant leaves, glass, or other surfaces.

• Eggs hatch in 3–5 days depending on temperature.

• Fry should be fed live baby brine and powdered fry food initially