The Corydoras hastatus is one of the smallest corydoras, a micro bottom-dwelling fish with a highly original behaviour: unlike many other species in the genus, it does not hesitate to swim in open water, forming attractive shoals above the substrate. Peaceful, discreet and very active in groups, it is particularly well suited to well-planted nano-aquariums.

Origin & habitat

Native toSouth America (mainly Brazil and Paraguay), Corydoras hastatus inhabits small tributaries, flooded areas and calm rivers. It is found in shallow, mild to slightly acidic waters with sandy-muddy substrates, dead leaves, roots and dense vegetation. The water is well oxygenated and often poorly lit by riverbank vegetation.

Description & sexual dimorphism

• Adult size: around 2-3 cm
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in good conditions
• Body: slender, slender, more "fusiform" than many other corydoras
• Colouring: silvery to beige, with a dark lateral stripe and a small black spot on the caudal peduncle, often surrounded by a lighter halo.
• Fins: generally translucent, sometimes finely dotted

Sexual dimorphism remains discreet: adult females are slightly rounder when viewed from above, especially during the spawning period, while males remain slimmer and sometimes a little smaller.

Recommended water parameters

• Temperature: 22-27°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: 1-10 °dGH (very soft to soft water)
• Water quality: zero nitrites, low nitrates, clean, well-oxygenated water

Because of its small size, Corydoras hastatus is fairly sensitive to sudden changes in parameters. A well-cycled tank, regular water changes (20-30% per week) and gentle but effective filtration are essential.

Aquarium maintenance

• Minimum recommended volume: from 40-60 litres for an attractive group, with a good floor area.
• Substrate: fine, non-sharp sand (such as Loire sand) to protect their barbels
• Decor: low plants, moss, roots, small dead leaves, shaded areas
• Filtration: gentle, with a moderate current, avoid too much turbulence
• Lighting: moderate, subdued by floating plants or dense vegetation

Provide unobstructed areas for foraging, as well as tall plants and vertical elements that they can use to feel safe when moving around in open water.

Behaviour and cohabitation

Corydoras hastatus is an extremely gregarious fish. It should be kept in groups of at least 10 individuals, ideally 15 or more, to limit stress and observe natural shoaling behaviour.

• Character: very peaceful, shy if isolated or in too small a group.
• Living zone: bottom of tank, but also lower third and middle where it forms small suspended shoals.
• Ideal mates: calm micro-fish (Boraras, dwarf Hyphessobrycon), dwarf shrimps, small dwarf corydoras (habrosus, pygmaeus), small loricarids.
• Avoid: fish that are too big, lively or restless, likely to stress them or see them as prey.

In the right environment, they offer a unique spectacle of mini-corydoras moving both close to the ground and in open water, in compact groups.

Diet

Corydoras hastatus is an omnivore with micro-predatory tendencies, feeding mainly on the ground and in open water:

• Miniature bottom pellets: tablets and small sinking micro-granules.
• Frozen / live: artemia nauplia, cyclops, micro-worms, fine daphnia, distributed in small quantities.
• Supplements: micro-flakes for micro-fish, food containing spirulina and plant extracts.

Be sure to use food suited to their small mouths and to ensure that the food reaches the bottom, especially in the presence of faster fish.

Reproduction in an aquarium

Reproduction of Corydoras hastatus is possible but a little trickier than with some larger corydoras. It is a substrate-laying fish that adopts the classic T-shaped behaviour during spawning.

• Breeding tank: small dedicated volume with fine sand, mosses (Java moss) and fine-leaved plants.
• Trigger: cooler water changes simulating the rainy season, diet rich in live prey.
• The eggs are deposited on windows, plants or decor; the parents may eat them.
• Remove the adults or move the eggs to a rearing tank to increase the survival rate.
• The fry are fed with infusoria, then nauplied with very small artemia.

Aquabota advice

• Maintain a large group (10-15+) to limit shyness and take advantage of natural behaviour.
• Choose very fine sand and low plants to give them comfort and areas to forage.
• Choose very calm, small housemates that are suitable for nano-bins.
• Ensure stable, clean, well-oxygenated water for more resistant, active fish.

Quick facts

• Zoological Name: Corydoras hastatus
• Type: dwarf corydoras / micro groundfish
• Origin: South America (Brazil, Paraguay and surrounding areas)
• Adult size: 2-3 cm
• Swimming zone: bottom, lower third and middle
• Temperature: 22-27°C
• pH: 6.0-7.5
• Hardness: 1-10 °dGH
• Behaviour: gregarious, very peaceful, shy if isolated
• Difficulty level: intermediate (small size, needs stable water and fine food)

Shipping & Delivery of live fish

Our Corydoras hastatus are prepared with the greatest care in our Aquabota fishroom. Each fish is selected, acclimatised and observed before shipping to ensure optimum health, an important point for these micro-fish that are sensitive to variations.

• Packaging: oxygenated bags adapted to their small size, insulated in crates specially designed for transporting live fish.
• Transport: express delivery via appropriate 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 ensure the successful introduction of your Corydoras hastatus 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 hastatus.