Outcast Cory

Corydoras pinheiroi is a seldom-encountered species from the Brazilian Amazon, specifically the Rondônia and Madeira basin tributaries in western Brazil. It is a medium-sized cory with a delicate pattern of fine brown reticulation over a pale cream to white body, giving it a clean, marbled appearance. Both fins and body carry subtle patterning that becomes more visible under good lighting.

In its natural habitat it inhabits slow-moving forest streams and flooded areas with fine sandy substrates and leaf litter. The water is soft, slightly acidic, and often tannin-stained. In the aquarium it adapts reasonably well to standard soft-water tropical conditions, though it responds best to a naturalistic setup with Indian almond leaves and driftwood.

C. pinheiroi is an intermediate-level species that rewards careful attention to water quality and diet variety. Keep in a group of six or more, feed high-quality sinking foods with regular frozen or live supplementation, and maintain low nitrate levels for the best long-term health and colouration.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.0–7.0, temperature 23–27°C; tannin-stained water helps reduce acclimatisation stress. Tank: 80 L with fine sand, leaf litter, driftwood, and moderate plant cover; gentle filtration flow. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia, and Repashy Soilent Green. Breeding: Rarely achieved; soft water conditioning and cool water change trigger recommended. Compatibility: Peaceful with all community species; ideal for western Brazilian Amazonian biotopes.