From the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, more precisely from the upper Rio Guaporé, comes the pretty Corydoras caudimaculatus, which reaches 5-6 cm in length. C. caudimaculatus is the most round-nosed and high-backed species of the “tail-spotted armored catfish”, which all have a similar pattern, but without being closely related to each other. The evolutionary advantage of the similar pattern is that fish-eaters – birds, snakes, predatory fish, etc. – who have once tried such a spiny, armored fish, will avoid it in the future, because it scratches the throat considerably. This is how this colour similarity, which is often found in Corydoras catfish, occurs between different species living in the same area.
Corydoras caudimaculatus is a much sought-after species, which unfortunately can only occasionally be found on export lists. However, it is also easy to breed; many enthusiasts report that this species needs comparatively high water temperatures (26-28°C) to feel comfortable in the long term. Cooler kept animals are often shy and nervous.
For our customers: the animals have code 225604 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
