Spectacle Cory

Corydoras spectabilis is an impressive cory from the Paraguay-Paraná basin in the Mato Grosso region of Brazil. Its body is heavily patterned with large dark blotches and reticulation over a cream to white base, and strong iridescent green-gold highlights flash across the dorsal surface under bright lighting. The name spectabilis means 'remarkable' or 'notable' in Latin — an apt description.

This species is rarely exported from Brazil and is primarily known to dedicated Corydoras enthusiasts. It inhabits the clear-water tributaries of the Paraguay basin, where water is soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral, and well-oxygenated. In the aquarium it benefits from similar conditions: clean water with good filtration, a fine substrate, and stable parameters.

C. spectabilis grows slightly larger than average and benefits from a larger aquarium that allows a proper school to form. It is entirely peaceful and a superb display fish for a Mato Grosso biotope setup. Feed generously with high-quality sinking foods to bring out the iridescent highlights.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.0–7.5, temperature 22–26°C; high water quality important for large specimens. Tank: 80 L or larger with fine sand substrate, open foraging areas, and some plant or wood decoration. Feeding: High-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, Mysis shrimp, and Repashy gels. Breeding: Rarely achieved; typical cory spawning with cool water change trigger; large eggs, small clutch. Compatibility: Peaceful with all community fish; excellent centrepiece for Mato Grosso biotope.