False Julii Cory (1-1.25”)

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras trilineatus

• Common Name: False Julii Corydoras

• Family: Callichthyidae

• Origin: Amazon and upper Orinoco river basins in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil

• Temperament: Peaceful, social, and shy; prefers groups

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

 Habitat

• Natural Environment:
  Native to slow-moving tributaries, flooded forests, and backwaters of the Amazon Basin. Often found over sandy or muddy substrates with leaf litter and aquatic vegetation.

• Water Conditions:

  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5

  • Prefers clean, soft, slightly acidic water with gentle flow

 Diet

• Omnivorous Bottom Feeder:
  In the wild, they sift through the substrate for:

  • Worms

  • Insects and larvae

  • Detritus

  • Plant matter

• In Captivity:
  Provide a varied diet of:

  • Sinking pellets or wafers designed for bottom feeders

  • Live/frozen foods: bloodworms, blackworms, daphnia, brine shrimp

  • Occasional blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach)

  • Supplemental flake food (they may nibble but prefer food on the bottom)

Tip: Use soft sand or rounded gravel to prevent injury to their delicate barbels.

 Maximum Size

• Adult Size: Around 2.0–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm)

• Males are typically slightly smaller and slimmer than females

 Recommended Aquarium Size

• Minimum Tank Size:

  • 20 gallons (75 liters) for a group of 5–6

  • More space is better, especially in community tanks

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Fine sand preferred — essential for natural sifting behavior

  • Decor: Driftwood, smooth rocks, leaf litter, and dense planting for cover

  • Filtration: Gentle flow; sponge filters or well-baffled filters work well

  • Lighting: Low to moderate — they prefer dimly lit environments

  • Keep in groups of 5 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior

 Tank Mates

• Excellent Community Fish:

  • Peaceful tank mates such as:

    • Tetras, rasboras, danios

    • Dwarf gouramis, apistos

    • Other Corydoras

    • Otocinclus, small plecos, or shrimp

  • Avoid large or aggressive species

Notes on Behavior and Care

• Social schooling species — will be shy and stressed if kept alone or in too-small groups

• Non-aggressive, bottom-dwelling scavengers that won’t harm plants or tank mates

• Breathe air — will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, which is normal

• Sensitive to poor substrate and water quality — maintain clean sand and stable parameters

• Easily confused with Corydoras julii — check for reticulated (net-like) head markings in C. trilineatus