Leopard cory
Brochis leopardus
Also known as Corydoras leopardus, Leopard catfish, Long-nosed leopard cory
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 2.8 in
- 7 cm
- Minimum tank
- 24 gal
- 90 L
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Social behavior
- Shoaling
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Callichthyidae
- Origin
- Western Amazon basin in Brazil and Peru, including the rio Yavari.
Overview
The leopard cory is an active, spotted cory that forages in groups along the bottom of a community tank. It suits a keeper with some experience.
Did you know
The leopard cory looks almost identical to the three line cory. Its much longer, more pointed snout is the quickest way to tell the two apart.
Caring for the leopard cory
Leopard cories are active foragers, so keep six or more in a tank of at least 24 gal (90 L). Give them soft sand and open space at the front of the tank.
Keep the water soft and slightly acidic, at 72 to 79°F (22 to 26°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed sinking pellets and small frozen foods such as bloodworm and daphnia.
They are peaceful and suit a community tank. Breeding them is moderately hard.
Good to know
The leopard cory's pale body is covered with small, dark, leopard-like spots. The 2024 revision moved it to the genus Brochis, as Brochis leopardus, within the family Callichthyidae. It is also sold as the leopard catfish.
In the wild
The leopard cory lives in clear and slightly stained tributaries of the western Amazon, in Brazil and Peru, including the rio Yavari. The water there is warm, soft and gently acidic. Groups forage over sand on the open bottom, near submerged wood and leaf litter.
Weekly picks
Tank mates
The leopard cory is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the bottom. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.
Neocaridina shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Freshwater1.6 in (4 cm) · 5 gal (19 L)59–84°F (15–29°C)
Guppy
Poecilia reticulata
FreshwaterBrackish2.4 in (6 cm) · 10 gal (38 L)64–82°F (18–28°C)
Neon tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Freshwater1.5 in (3.8 cm) · 11 gal (40 L)70–77°F (21–25°C)
Apple snail
Pomacea canaliculata
Freshwater5.9 in (15 cm) · 21 gal (80 L)64–81°F (18–27°C)
Clipper barb
Enteromius callipterus
Freshwater3.5 in (9 cm) · 24 gal (90 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)Siamese flying barb
Laubuka siamensis
Freshwater2.6 in (6.5 cm) · 24 gal (90 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Common questions
What size tank does a leopard cory need?
A leopard cory needs at least 24 gal (90 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a leopard cory need?
A leopard cory is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a leopard cory eat?
A leopard cory eats sinking pellets and small frozen foods such as bloodworm and daphnia.
How big does a leopard cory get?
An adult leopard cory reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).
Does a leopard cory need a group?
Yes. A leopard cory is a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.
Related species
2.8 in (7 cm)24 gal (90 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)Agassiz's cory
Brochis agassizii
2.8 in (7 cm) · 24 gal (90 L)
2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Mosaic cory
Brochis haraldschultzi
2.8 in (7 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
2.8 in (7 cm)24 gal (90 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)Ornate cory
Brochis ornata
2.8 in (7 cm) · 24 gal (90 L)
3 in (7.5 cm)26 gal (100 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)Pantanal cory
Brochis pantanalensis
3 in (7.5 cm) · 26 gal (100 L)
2.6 in (6.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Amanda Jane's cory
Brochis amandajanea
2.6 in (6.5 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
2.6 in (6.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–79°F (23–26°C)Bannertail cory
Brochis robineae
2.6 in (6.5 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)