fish · Callichthyidae
Skunk corydoras
Corydoras arcuatus
Wild range: Western Amazon basin — middle Rio Juruá drainage (Brazil), Rio Javari drainage (Brazil/Peru), and streams north of Leticia (Colombia) per Eschmeyer Catalog of Fishes for true Brochis arcuata; historically broader Upper Amazon labels often refer to the trade lookalike Hoplisoma granti (South America)
At a glance: Skunk corydoras care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Skunk corydoras?
The compiled profile lists 22.0–26.0 °C for Skunk corydoras (Corydoras arcuatus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Skunk corydoras?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 20.0 US gallons (76.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Skunk corydoras?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–7.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Peaceful arc-striped callichthyid armored catfish of western Amazon blackwater/clearwater streams. Facultative air-breather and demersal sand-sifter. Dark arched stripe from snout through the eye along the dorsum to the caudal peduncle. TRADE WARNING: most LFS “skunk cory / C020 / Corydoras arcuatus” stock is the shorter-snouted lookalike Hoplisoma granti (Tencatt, Lima & Britto 2019); true C. arcuatus (= Brochis arcuata / CW036 “super arcuatus”) has a longer straight snout and grows slightly larger (~60 mm SL).
Where they are found
Catalog primary locked as Corydoras arcuatus Elwin, 1938 per Scott resolution 2026-09-25, inventory/trade lock, and ITIS Current Standing valid (TSN 679778). Eschmeyer Catalog of Fishes Current status Valid as Brochis arcuata (Elwin 1938) after Dias et al. 2024 (Zool. J. Linn. Soc.) Corydoradinae reclassification; FishBase summary heads the page as Brochis arcuatus — Brochis arcuata / Brochis arcuatus recorded in aliases and here as the newer CoF/FishBase combination, not adopted as primary (Scott naming rule 2026-09-24). TRADE LOOKALIKE: vast majority of aquarium “Skunk cory / C020 / arched cory” sold as C. arcuatus are Hoplisoma granti (Tencatt, Lima & Britto 2019; Planet Catfish; Grant 2014); true Brochis arcuata is the longer-snouted CW036 (“super arcuatus”) form (Planet Catfish; ScotCat; Wikipedia Brochis arcuata). Distinguish: longer straight snout + pectoral-spine serrations pointing toward spine base = true arcuatus; shorter rounded snout + serrations toward tip = H. granti. Also confused with C. narcissus / H. urucu / other arc-striped mimics. CoF distribution for true species: middle Rio Juruá (Brazil), Rio Javari (Brazil/Peru), streams north of Leticia (Colombia). H. granti is more widespread across the western/central Amazon (Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru).
Aquarium care
Peaceful schooling bottom-dweller for a cycled freshwater community. Locked minimum 20 US gallons (~76 L) for a group of six (Aquarium Co-Op general Corydoras guidance ≥20 gal for most non-dwarf species; Guidarium ≥60 L / ≥60 cm length and lists 20-gal footprints; Aqueon prefers ~30 gal for most Corydoras — note larger footprint preferred). Soft-to-medium water ~22–26°C, pH ~6.0–7.5, GH ~2–15 dGH (FishBase 22–26°C / pH 6.0–8.0 / dH 2–25; Guidarium 22–26°C / pH 6–7.5 / 2–15 dGH; Seriously Fish 20–28°C / pH 5.0–7.5 / 2–12 dGH; Planet Catfish H. granti sheet 22–26°C; Aquarium Co-Op genus ~22–28°C / pH 6.5–7.8 — locked core overlap 22–26°C, 6.0–7.5, 2–15 with SF temp wider 20–28, SF hardness upper ≤12, FishBase pH upper to 8.0, and ACO genus pH 6.5–7.8 noted). Fine sand preferred (SF / Planet Catfish / Guidarium / ACO); smooth rounded gravel acceptable if kept clean — avoid sharp gravel that damages barbels. Provide open foraging lanes plus driftwood, leaf litter, and plant shade. Gentle-to-moderate flow, good oxygenation (facultative air-breather — expect occasional surface gulps), and low nitrates. Beginner-friendly when water quality and group size are respected; confirm snout shape if identity (true arcuatus vs trade granti) matters.
Feeding
Foraging omnivore — do not rely on leftover scraps or algae alone (Seriously Fish, Planet Catfish, Aquarium Co-Op, Aqueon). Offer sinking wafers/tablets/granules plus regular live or frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, Daphnia, grindal/white worm, and occasional gel foods. Feed after lights-out or target-feed the bottom so midwater fish do not monopolize food.
Compatibility
Peaceful community fish when kept in a shoal of at least six (Seriously Fish 4–6; Guidarium / Aquarium Co-Op prefer 6+; Aqueon groups of 5+). Excellent with similarly peaceful mid/upper swimmers (tetras, rasboras, small peaceful barbs, dwarf cichlids in soft water). Avoid large predatory tankmates and aggressive diggers that outcompete them for food. Distinct from Agassiz’s cory (C. agassizii / Brochis agassizii) and from the shorter-snouted trade lookalike Hoplisoma granti usually sold as “skunk / C020.”
Breeding
FishBase documents classic Corydoras T-position spawning under the Brochis arcuatus page (Ref. 1672). Planet Catfish notes both true arcuata and H. granti have been bred in captivity; Aqueon rates Corydoras breeding as relatively difficult vs casual community spawns. Soft, slightly acidic water, cooler water changes, and heavy conditioning with live foods trigger many Corydoradinae; remove adults after spawning (no parental care).
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.