Corydoras sp. · C115

Overview

C115 is an unresolved armored catfish from Peru. C116 is thought to represent the same species, and considerable variation in the dark front-body markings makes color alone a poor basis for separating them.

Distribution & habitat

Collections come from the upper Madre de Dios in southern Peru, from Manú National Park near the headwaters downstream at least to Puerto Maldonado. The river continues into Bolivia and belongs to the Amazon system, but its entire course should not be equated with a confirmed range for this numbered fish.

Aquarium setup

Fine sand is preferable. Smooth gravel can serve as an alternative if kept scrupulously clean. Other decoration is flexible, with covered areas giving the group security.

Diet & feeding

Related cory catfishes are generally foraging omnivores. Sinking prepared foods combined with small live or frozen bloodworms and aquatic worms form the usual captive approach.

Provide varied, regular meals directed to the catfish. Leftovers from other inhabitants are not adequate provision, and these fish cannot replace routine cleaning.

Behaviour & compatibility

Peaceful social behavior makes a group of at least six to eight appropriate.

Sexual dimorphism

Females usually become larger and develop a broader, rounder outline at maturity, especially while carrying eggs.

Notes

The proposed equivalence of C115 and C116 has also been extended tentatively to fishes sold as Manu 1 long nose, Manu 4, Manu 7, and Manu 8. These trade associations remain distinct from a resolved formal identification.

C numbers organize unidentified aquarium fishes rather than replacing scientific names. Related armored catfishes possess body plates and can take atmospheric oxygen through a specialized intestine, explaining occasional surface gulps. Handle carefully around the pectoral spines, which may puncture skin painfully; mild toxicity of adjacent gland secretions is suspected rather than certain.