Albino Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus var.)

The Albino Corydoras is a captive-bred colour morph of Corydoras aeneus, the Bronze Corydoras, one of the most widely kept and well-established corydoras species in the aquarium hobby. The albino variant retains all the characteristics of the wild-type except for pigmentation, presenting a creamy-white to pale pink body with characteristic red or pink eyes.

Like all Corydoras, this species is a peaceful, gregarious catfish that spends its time foraging along the bottom substrate in search of food particles. It is equipped with two rows of overlapping bony scutes along its flanks in place of scales, providing armoured protection. Three pairs of sensory barbels around the mouth help detect food buried in substrate.

Corydoras aeneus is native to Trinidad and the northern and central river systems of South America, inhabiting slow-moving shallow rivers, flooded grasslands, and forest streams. The albino variant is tank-bred and is perfectly suited to a wide range of water parameters, making it one of the easiest catfish to keep.

These catfish are social animals and must be kept in groups of at least six to thrive. Solitary individuals become stressed and inactive. In a group, they interact constantly, foraging together and engaging in the characteristic 'wriggling' behaviour that is actually a respiratory adaptation — Corydoras can absorb atmospheric oxygen through their intestine, and groups frequently swim to the surface to gulp air.

Tank Setup: A 60-litre tank with smooth substrate (fine sand or rounded gravel) is the minimum for a group of six. Corydoras will damage their sensitive barbels on sharp substrate. Provide low-level hiding spots: pieces of driftwood, smooth rocks, and broad-leaved plants like Anubias. Ensure excellent filtration and aeration.

Water Parameters: Temperature 22–28°C; pH 6.0–7.8; GH 2–15 °dH; KH 2–10 °dH. Very adaptable to a wide range of conditions, making them ideal for community tanks. Avoid high temperatures above 28°C for extended periods.

Feeding: Omnivore and bottom forager. Offer sinking wafers, corydoras pellets, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, Tubifex, and blanched vegetables. Feed after lights out or in the evening when they are most active. Ensure food reaches the bottom — top-feeding tank mates may consume all the food.

Tank Mates: One of the most compatible community fish available. Gets along with virtually all peaceful species: tetras, rasboras, gouramis, danios, small barbs, livebearers, and other corydoras. Avoid aggressive cichlids and large predatory fish.

Behaviour: Peaceful, social, and entertaining. Groups forage constantly along the substrate, often moving in coordinated fashion. They regularly dart to the surface to gulp air — this is normal intestinal respiration.

Health: Hardy and long-lived when kept correctly. Main health risks are barbel erosion from sharp substrate, and bacterial infections from poor water quality. Weekly water changes of 20–25% are essential.