Corydoras reynoldsi

These fish reach a length of about 3 cm. Their body has the typical Corydoras shape — robust and stocky, with small fins. Sharp spines are formed by the first rays of the dorsal and pectoral fins. The bony plates covering the body are modified scales. Their coloration is light, with gray speckles. Vertical black stripes run across the head, then along the dorsal fin, and towards the base of the tail. These body pattern features led to the species' common name — Bumblebee Corydoras. For quite a long time, a related species, Corydoras tucano, which has a similar coloration and inhabits the same region, was supplied under the same name — Corydoras reynoldsi.

Corydoras reynoldsi inhabits South America, primarily in the upper Caquetá River basin in Colombia. In nature, these fish populate shallow areas of rivers with sandy bottoms and slow currents. The water in their habitats is characterized by tropical temperatures, soft to moderately hard reaction, and neutral or slightly acidic pH levels.

Corydoras are known as some of the most peaceful inhabitants of aquariums. They prefer to stay in groups, so it is recommended to keep them in schools of 3–4 individuals. These catfish coexist perfectly with many other fish species of comparable size.

For a group of 3–4 catfish, the optimal aquarium volume starts at 40 liters. The setup minimally requires sandy substrates, several natural snags, as well as bark and leaves from various trees. Aquarium plants can also be used. These fish prefer well-lit habitats with warm, soft, slightly acidic water and moderate current. Despite this, they can successfully adapt to conditions with higher pH and GH values. Standard aquarium maintenance includes weekly partial water changes, regular removal of organic waste, and keeping equipment in working order. They readily accept most common foods, such as flakes and granules. Small invertebrates like Daphnia, Gammarus, bloodworms, and Artemia, offered fresh, dry, or frozen, will also be an excellent choice. Information sources: fishbase.se, planetcatfish.com.

The diet of these fish can include most popular foods, such as flakes and granules. It is also recommended to add small invertebrates (e.g., Daphnia, Gammarus, bloodworms, Artemia) to the menu, which can be fresh, dried, or frozen.

Breeding in aquarium conditions is rated as moderately difficult. The fish are egg-layers, depositing their eggs on an open substrate. To stimulate spawning, water changes with cooler, fresh water are often used, mimicking the rainy season. It is recommended to keep a group of individuals, as the reproduction process proceeds more naturally in a shoal. After spawning, the parents should be removed to prevent egg consumption.

The species has good endurance but is sensitive to water quality and substrate condition. When kept on coarse or sharp substrate, the fish can damage their sensitive barbels, which opens the way for bacterial infections. Like other members of the family, corydoras do not tolerate salt in the water. Prevention includes maintaining a clean bottom, regular filtration, and avoiding sudden fluctuations in water parameters.

When purchasing, choose active individuals with intact fins and barbels, showing no signs of damage or film on the body. It is important to ensure that the fish swim in a shoal and show interest in searching for food on the bottom. Avoid specimens with sunken bellies or signs of apathy, as this may indicate stress or exhaustion. It is optimal to acquire a group of 6–8 individuals to ensure comfortable adaptation in the new aquarium.