This
beautifully marked species appeared only very occasionally in the
aquarium hobby. The fish has been described from the Rio Tigre system
in Ecuador. Initially it was described as a subspecies of the similar
Corydoras pastazensis. However, so far no intergrades have been found
and this makes it very likely that both are seperate species.
We
were able to import both species from Peru now. If one has the
opportunity to see them side by side they are very easy to distinguish
from each other. Both species belong to the tribe of the saddle-nosed
Corydoras. Males stay smaller than the females. So far the fish have
proofed to be hardy aquarium inhabitants. A tank for Corydoras should
in general have at least in part a bottom of fine, smooth sand. Worms
(Tubifex) are the preferred food, but they feed readily on anything
that is usually fed on ornamental fish, may it be living, frozen or
dried. Both species reach about 6-7 cm in length.
For
our customers: C. orcesi has code 237903 and C. pastazensis code 240304
on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale
trade.
Lexicon: Corydoras: from ancient greek, means „with
helmet and spear“. This refers to the strong armor and fin spines.
orcesi: dedication name in honour of Gustavo Orcés-Villagomez.
pastazensis: after the Rio Pastaza in the Pastaza province, Ecuador,
where the species is found.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
