fish · Callichthyidae
Reticulated corydoras
Corydoras reticulatus
Wild range: Lower Amazon River basin, Brazil (Seriously Fish; FishBase). (South America)
At a glance: Reticulated corydoras care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Reticulated corydoras?
The compiled profile lists 22.0–26.0 °C for Reticulated corydoras (Corydoras reticulatus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Reticulated corydoras?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 20.0 US gallons (75.7 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Reticulated corydoras?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–7.2. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
A small armoured catfish with a grey body covered in a dark net-like (reticulated) pattern and a large black blotch on the dorsal fin. It is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling shoaling fish that sifts fine sand for food and is one of the more commonly sold patterned corys, suitable for beginners.
Where they are found
Catalog primary Corydoras reticulatus Fraser-Brunner, 1938, the trade and ITIS name (ITIS TSN 164290, valid). Catalog of Fishes, FishBase, Seriously Fish and Wikipedia now place it in Brochis as Brochis reticulata (Fraser-Brunner, 1938) after the 2024 split of Corydoras; that name is kept in aliases. Known only from the lower Amazon basin in Brazil (SF; FishBase); Atlarium's mention of Peru and Colombia is not corroborated and is not used. The similar Corydoras sodalis (false network cory, upper Amazon) is often sold under this name; true C. reticulatus has a bolder dorsal-fin blotch. IUCN: Least Concern (assessed 7 Nov 2018 per FishBase; ICMBio 2022 assessment also LC).
Aquarium care
Keep a group of at least six in a tank of about 20 US gal / 75 L or more with a wide footprint (Seriously Fish 60 × 38 cm, about 68 L; TankBud and The Aquarium Wiki 20 gal; Atlarium 80 L; Aquario 70 L). Water 22–26°C, pH 6.0–7.2 and 2–15 dGH (Seriously Fish; FishBase; Atlarium; TankBud; The Aquarium Wiki; Aquario). Use fine, smooth sand so it can sift without wearing its barbels, add plants, driftwood and some floating cover, and keep the substrate very clean, because dirty or sharp substrates cause barbel erosion and infection. Provide good oxygenation with some surface movement and flow, leave space at the surface because it gulps air, and avoid salt and copper medications (Seriously Fish; Atlarium; TankBud; The Aquarium Wiki).
Feeding
Omnivore that eats worms, small crustaceans, insect larvae and some plant matter in the wild. Offer quality sinking pellets or wafers as the staple, plus live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia. Make sure food reaches the bottom; feeding near lights-out helps if fast midwater fish take everything first (FishBase; Seriously Fish; Atlarium; The Aquarium Wiki).
Compatibility
Very peaceful and a good community fish with small tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, dwarf cichlids and other peaceful catfish. Avoid large, aggressive or predatory fish. Keep at least six together, as singles and pairs stay shy (Seriously Fish; Atlarium; TankBud; The Aquarium Wiki).
Breeding
Females are larger and noticeably broader and rounder than males, best seen from above. Spawning has rarely been documented for this species, but a conditioned group with more males than females may spawn after large, cooler water changes, laying sticky eggs on the glass or plant leaves. Remove adults or eggs to protect them (Seriously Fish; Atlarium; FishBase).
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.