Corydoras

Hi All

I recently got 6 corydoras from Panorama Pets ( 3 albino, 3 bronze ) put since I put them in the tank the corys have been acting wierd. They just keep going up and down the glass and then if they not oding that they just sit on the floor of the tank. They just occasionally scavenge.

Anyone have any ideas on what this could be. From what I understand the water parameter could be incorrect.

Regards
Peter

 

I've known cories to be very active - if you're unsure about water parameters, though, get your water tested.

 

thanks Salmon

 

I would have the water tested.

Are they gasping at all... common signs of low O2 in the water is the Cory's swimming to the top.

 

Interesting that you would say that Zoom, because they were going right to the top of the tank and take a gulp of air. I dont know why the O2 levels are low because I have a air-stone in there.

Regards
Peter

 

corydoras , my favourite !

how long have you had them ?
when first introduced to a tank they are very skitish due to stress incurred during the move . they will jump to the surface for a while especially when you show up at the tank . i would provide some hiding places , lower the lighting , and give them some food before lights out. this should settle them .

should still check and report the water perameters though .
cheers

 

thanks brads

will do!

Regards
Peter

 

That is perfectly normal. Corydoras have a labyrinth organ and need to take air from the surface even if you have high O2 levels.

 

thanks Ryan

I didn't know that at all. I knew that gouramis etc had labyrinth organ but i never knew corydoras had as well.

Regards
Peter

 

Hi there, cories are great fish.

If you would like to learn more you can download an ebook that I wrote on pepper cories (basically the same care, they just like cooler water).

http://sites.google.com/site/peppercory/

Cheers!

 

Nice easy read . Thanks for writing it and posting it for free on the web. Good intro to anybody new to fish keeping not just Cories

 

Must they be kept in groups?

 

from what I hear, they do best if kept in groups

Regards
Peter

 

Hi there,
I also started out with 3 cory's, and they behaved the same. For a few days, they were very shy, and very still. Over time, they became more active, and when I got a few more cory's, they all came out of their shell, so to speak.

As far as I can tell, perfectly normal behaviour. Mine also love to chase each other up and down the glass, and regularly shoot to the surface for some air. I wouldn't worry - these are delightful little dudes to have in your tank!

 

thanks Madam

appreciate the answer

Regards
Peter

 

It's perfectly normal for corys to alternate between sitting still and swimming actively up and down the glass. They can swim surprisingly fast if they have enough room.

Corys don't have a labyrinth like anabantoids do. Rather, they actually take in a mouthful of air and swallow it. Oxygen is absorbed as it passes through their intestines. This is a species adaptation to the muddy water they live in during the rainy season. As long as they only do it occasionally, don't worry about it. If they start doing it frequently, it could be a sign of poor water quality.