The Corydoras punctatus is a bottom-dwelling catfish with a finely spotted body, much appreciated for its peaceful behaviour and constant activity on the ground. Regular, robust and easy to keep in a well-maintained tank, it is ideally suited to calm community aquariums.

Origin & habitat

Native toSouth America, the Corydoras punctatus is mainly found in the Amazon basin and various tributaries with slow to moderate currents. It frequents the sandy-muddy bottoms of shallow rivers, flooded areas and riverbanks, often in the presence of dead leaves, roots and aquatic vegetation. The water is generally soft to slightly acidic and well oxygenated.

Description & sexual dimorphism

• Adult size: around 5-6 cm
• Lifespan: 5 to 8 years in good conditions
• Body: typical of corydoras, stocky, short head, mouth turned downwards with sensitive barbels.
• Colouring: cream to beige background covered with small, more or less dense dark spots
• Fins: generally translucent, sometimes dotted with small spots

Sexual dimorphism is similar to that of other corydoras: adult females are larger and plumper when viewed from above, while males are slightly slimmer and sometimes slightly smaller.

Recommended water parameters

• Temperature: 22-26°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH (soft to moderately hard water)
• Water quality: zero nitrites, low nitrates, clean, well-oxygenated water

Like all corydoras, Corydoras punctatus does not tolerate pollution peaks. Regular water changes (20-30% per week) and effective filtration are essential for its good health.

Aquarium maintenance

• Minimum recommended volume: 100 litres or more with a good bottom surface.
• Substrate: fine, non-sharp sand (such as Loire sand) to protect their barbels.
• Decor: roots, smooth stones, dead leaves, low plants and shaded areas
• Filtration: effective, with a moderate current at the bottom
• Lighting: moderate, ideally subdued by floating plants

Avoid angular gravel and sharp substrates that damage barbels and encourage infection. Leave large areas of sand free so that they can forage comfortably.

Behaviour & cohabitation

Corydoras punctatus is a gregarious and very peaceful fish. It should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals, ideally more, to reduce stress and observe natural behaviour.

• Character: calm, sociable, non-aggressive.
• Living zone: mainly the bottom, sometimes the lower third of the water column.
• Ideal mates: small characids, rasboras, calm viviparous fish, other corydoras, small loricarids.
• Avoid: large cichlids, aggressive or restless fish, bottom predators.

In groups, they spend their time searching the substrate, resting together and exploring the scenery, keeping the bottom area constantly alive.

Diet

Corydoras punctatus is an omnivore with micro-predatory tendencies, feeding mainly on the ground:

• Bottom pellets: good quality tablets and sinking granules.
• Frozen/live: artemia, daphnia, mud worms (in moderation), various larvae.
• Supplements: small portions of finely poached vegetables (courgette, cucumber) from time to time.

These are not simple 'cleaner fish': it is essential to feed specifically to the bottom, especially when there are fast-moving open-water fish monopolising the food.

Reproduction in aquariums

Reproduction of Corydoras punctatus is similar to that of other corydoras and can be achieved by the motivated aquarist. Corydoras punctatus is a substrate-laying fish that adopts the famous T-shaped behaviour during spawning.

• Breeding tank: small dedicated tank with fine sand, plants and/or spawning mops.
• Trigger: cooler water changes simulating the rainy season, diet rich in live/frozen food.
• The female glues the eggs to windows, plants or decor, and the adults may eat them.
• It is advisable to remove the parents or move the eggs to a breeding tank.
• The fry feed on infusoria, then on freshly hatched artemia nauplia.

Aquabota advice

• Keep a large group for less stressed, more active fish.
• Use very fine sand to preserve their barbels and encourage their natural foraging behaviour.
• Keep the water clean, well oxygenated and low in nitrates.
• Feed specifically to the bottom, especially if the tank contains live fish in open water.

Quick facts

• Zoological Name: Corydoras punctatus
• Origin: South America (Amazon basin and tributaries)
• Adult size: 5-6 cm
• Swimming zone: bottom
• Temperature: 22-26°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 2-12 °dGH
• Behaviour: gregarious, very peaceful
• Difficulty level: easy (in a well-maintained tank)

Shipping & Delivery of live fish

Our Corydoras punctatus are prepared with the greatest care in our Aquabota fishroom. Each fish is selected, acclimatised and observed before shipping to ensure optimum health.

• Packaging: oxygenated bags, insulated in crates specially designed for transporting live fish.
• Transport: express delivery via specially adapted carriers, to keep time spent in transit to a minimum.
• Temperature: addition of heaters or ice packs depending on the season, to maintain a stable temperature.
• Arrival: an Aquabota acclimatisation guide accompanies you step by step to help you introduce your fish in the best possible conditions.

If you have any questions before or after placing your order, our Aquabota team will be happy to advise you on compatibility with your population, the choice of decor and the ideal parameters for your Corydoras punctatus.