Agassiz's cory

Care at a glance

Overview

Keep them in a group of six or more over smooth sand at 22 to 26 C in soft to neutral water. They are peaceful and settle in well in a planted community with gentle tankmates. Offer sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and other small foods that reach the bottom.

In the wild

Agassiz's cory lives in tributaries of the upper Amazon near Iquitos, foraging over sand and fine sediment. The water is warm, soft and slightly acidic. It forms groups in slow, shaded stretches near wood and leaf litter.

Good to know

This is one of several near identical spotted, tall finned cories, and the quickest way to recognize it is the solid black front edge of the dorsal fin. The 2024 revision placed it in the genus Brochis as Brochis agassizii. Cooler, softer water changes that imitate the rainy season help trigger spawning.

Did you know

The jet black leading edge of the dorsal fin is the fastest way to tell Agassiz's cory from the other spotted cories it resembles.

Related species

• 

  Leopard cory

  Corydoras leopardus

  2.8 in (7 cm)24 gal (90 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Mosaic cory

  Corydoras haraldschultzi

  2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Peppered cory

  Corydoras paleatus

  2.8 in (7 cm)21 gal (80 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Schwartz's catfish

  Corydoras schwartzi

  2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Fowler's cory

  Corydoras fowleri

  2.8 in (7 cm)26 gal (100 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Long nosed arched cory

  Corydoras narcissus

  2.8 in (7 cm)30 gal (115 L)73–77°F (23–25°C)