Rabuti Cory (1.5”)

Scientific Name: Corydoras rabauti

Maximum Size & Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 2.5"

• Lifespan: Typically 5–7 years, potentially longer with excellent care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum: 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small group of 6+

• Shape: A longer footprint is preferred over height to provide foraging space

Water Changes & Care:

• Weekly water changes of 25–40%

• Gentle filtration with low to moderate flow

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

• Keep in stable, clean, and well-oxygenated water:

  • Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5
    

Tankmates:

• Peaceful community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids, and other non-aggressive bottom dwellers

• Avoid large or aggressive species that may nip fins or outcompete them for food

Diet:

• Omnivorous; will feed from the substrate but should not be relied upon as “tank cleaners”

• Offer high-quality sinking pellets, algae wafers and frozen like bloodworms,  and brine shrimp for well balanced nutrition
  

Overview:
Corydoras rabauti, also known as Rabaut’s Cory, is a peaceful schooling catfish with a robust body and a distinctive coppery-bronze coloration with a dark greenish shading along the back. They are active bottom dwellers, best kept in groups of six or more to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress. They constantly sift through the substrate with their barbels, searching for food, and are most comfortable in a well-planted tank with shaded areas and open swimming space at the bottom.

Natural Environment:
Native to slow-moving, soft-water streams and floodplain areas in the upper Amazon basin of Peru. Their habitats often feature sandy bottoms, leaf litter, and submerged wood, with low to moderate current and dim lighting from overhead vegetation.

Breeding:

• Egg-scattering species with no parental care

• Conditioning: Feed well with live and frozen foods to trigger spawning

• Spawning Trigger: Simulate rainy season by performing a large (50–70%) water change with slightly cooler water

• The female holds eggs between her pelvic fins while the male fertilizes them, then deposits them on plant leaves, glass, or other surfaces

• Eggs hatch in about 3–5 days; fry can be fed live baby brine shrimp or powdered fry food initially. For best hatch results pull the eggs out and place into a tumbler