Oiapoque Cory

Corydoras oiapoquensis is native to the Oiapoque River system straddling the border of the Brazilian state of Amapá and French Guiana. It belongs to a group of medium-sized cories with subtle spotting over a pale body and a dark humeral blotch. Its restricted and remote range means it is very rarely collected and exported, making it a genuine rarity in the hobby.

Water in the Oiapoque basin tends to be soft and slightly acidic, typical of Guiana Shield drainages. In the aquarium, replicating these conditions with good quality, low-hardness water and a fine substrate will produce the healthiest specimens. Tannins from Indian almond leaves or driftwood help reduce stress in newly imported fish.

C. oiapoquensis is fully peaceful and social. It will thrive in a biotope setup designed to represent the rivers of the Guiana Shield, alongside other species from Suriname, French Guiana, and Amapá. Feed a varied diet of sinking foods and supplement with frozen invertebrates to maintain condition.

Water: Soft and slightly acidic, pH 5.8–7.0, temperature 23–27°C; tannins beneficial for acclimatisation. Tank: 60 L or larger with fine sand, leaf litter, and driftwood; Guiana Shield biotope ideal. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, and Daphnia; feed at dusk for best feeding response. Breeding: Not documented; soft water and live food conditioning recommended. Compatibility: Peaceful with all Guiana Shield community species and other soft-water fish.