Harald Schultz's Cory

Corydoras haraldschultzi is a large, visually impressive cory from the Mato Grosso region of Brazil. It was named in honour of the Brazilian naturalist and fish collector Harald Schultz. Its intricate reticulated pattern — fine black lines and spots over a bright white or cream base — covers the entire body and extends onto the fins, creating a stunning mosaic effect.

It is frequently confused with C. sterbai, which shares the same general pattern and overlapping range, but C. haraldschultzi has a lighter ground colour and the reticulation tends to be finer and more densely packed. The orange colouration on the pectoral fins that characterises C. sterbai is absent or much reduced in this species.

Care is the same as for C. sterbai: warm water (important — this species does not tolerate cool temperatures well), fine sand substrate, and regular high-quality feedings. Keep in groups of six or more for natural schooling behaviour. An excellent centrepiece cory for a large Amazonian display aquarium.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.0–7.2, temperature 23–27°C; does not tolerate temperatures below 22°C well. Tank: 100 L minimum with fine sand substrate, robust plants, and open foraging areas. Feeding: High-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, and Mysis; feed twice daily. Breeding: Typical cory spawning; warm water essential; eggs deposited on smooth surfaces and plant leaves. Compatibility: Ideal with medium-sized peaceful fish; good with discus, rams, and Amazonian tetras.