Melini Cory (1,5”)

Scientific Name: Corydoras melini

• Maximum Size & Lifespan:

  • Grows up to 2.5–2.8 inches (6–7 cm)

  • Lifespan of 8–10 years with proper care

• Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes & Care:

  • Minimum tank size: 20 gallons (long footprint preferred)

  • Best kept in groups of at least 6 or more, as they are schooling/shoaling fish

  • Weekly water changes of 25–40% recommended

  • Provide soft sand or smooth fine gravel substrate to protect barbels

  • Gentle water flow with good filtration; avoid strong currents

  • Maintain clean water to prevent barbel erosion

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful community fish such as small tetras, rasboras, livebearers, dwarf cichlids, and other Corydoras

  • Avoid aggressive or overly large species that may intimidate or eat them

  • Compatible with peaceful bottom dwellers like small loaches and dwarf plecos

• Diet:

  • Omnivorous bottom feeders

  • Accept sinking pellets, wafers, and tablets formulated for catfish

  • Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, blackworms, and brine shrimp

  • Also consume leftover flakes or granules from other fish, but must be targeted fed

• Overview:

  • Melini Corydoras are hardy, peaceful, and attractive catfish with a distinctive dark stripe running from the head diagonally across the body

  • Best kept in planted aquariums with shaded areas, driftwood, and hiding places

  • Their active, social nature makes them excellent for peaceful community aquaria

• Natural Environment:

  • Native to the upper Rio Negro basin in Brazil and Colombia

  • Found in slow-moving blackwater and clearwater streams with soft, sandy bottoms, leaf litter, and submerged wood

  • Water is usually soft and acidic, with plenty of tannins

• Breeding:

  • Breeding in captivity is possible but less common compared to some Corydoras species

  • Condition with high-quality live and frozen foods

  • A drop in temperature with large water changes can trigger spawning, mimicking rainy season

  • Typical "T-position" spawning behavior, females carry eggs to stick on plant leaves or aquarium glass

  • Remove adults after spawning, as they do not guard the eggs

  • Eggs hatch in 3–5 days; fry require infusoria or powdered fry food initially, then baby brine shrimp