Gravel Cory

Corydoras garbei is a Brazilian cory from the upper Araguaia and Mato Grosso plateau drainages. Its mottled pattern of grey, brown, and cream is so effective as camouflage that on a natural river gravel substrate, the fish can be extraordinarily difficult to spot even when searching for it directly. This cryptic colouration is an adaptation to the clear-water, gravel-bottomed streams it inhabits.

In the aquarium, C. garbei is a calm, methodical forager that spends most of its time close to the substrate. It is adaptable and tolerates a range of water conditions, though clean, well-oxygenated water with a fine or mixed sand-gravel substrate will produce the healthiest specimens. Bright, bare aquaria should be avoided — this species benefits greatly from natural-looking decoration.

This species is rarely traded but is a superb choice for a Mato Grosso or Brazilian cerrado stream biotope aquarium. Keep in groups of six or more, feed a varied diet, and provide regular partial water changes for long-term success.