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Serratus cory

Corydoras serratus

Also known as Sawfin cory

FreshwaterFish
Serratus cory (Corydoras serratus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
77–84°F (25–29°C)
pH
5.2–6.8
Adult size
2.4 in (6 cm)
Minimum tank
20 gal (75 L)
Temperament
Peaceful
Social behavior
Shoaling
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Upper Rio Negro basin, Amazonas, Brazil
Family
Callichthyidae

Overview

An expert-keeper cory: stable warmth, soft acidic water, and a mature, quiet tank are the entry fee. Feed rich frozen foods alongside sinking prepared fare to hold body weight. There is no reliable breeding record. Keep a proper shoal anyway, because singletons of this species rarely do well.

In the wild

The serratus cory lives in upper Rio Negro blackwaters, hot, acidic, and nearly mineral-free. It is a warmth-loving species that sulks in cool tanks. Keep it over sand and leaf litter at 25 to 29 degrees Celsius, pH 5.2 to 6.8, with soft water and shade.

Good to know

David Sands described this species in 1995. The name refers to the serrated leading pectoral spines, heavier than in most relatives. It reaches about 6 centimeters, wears a long dark arch over a metallic body, and is regarded among cory specialists as one of the harder Rio Negro species to settle and keep long term.

Did you know

Among cory collectors this fish has a reputation as the Rio Negro's prima donna, gorgeous, expensive, and quick to punish sloppy water.

Tank mates

Serratus cory is a peaceful, shoaling species that keeps to the bottom. These picks match on water type, temperature, pH, size and temperament.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Serratus cory need?

A Serratus cory needs at least 20 gal (75 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Serratus cory need?

Serratus cory are comfortable at 77–84°F (25–29°C) with a pH of 5.2–6.8.

How big do Serratus cory get?

An adult Serratus cory reaches about 2.4 in (6 cm).

Do Serratus cory need a group?

Yes. Serratus cory are a shoaling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Corydoras · Advanced fish · Schooling fish · Community fish · Bottom dwellers

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