Bandit Corydora

The Bandit Cory Catfish is undeniably one of the cutest and most peaceful bottom-dwelling fish in the aquarium hobby!

Also known as Corydoras metae, this popular species is easily identifiable by the vertical black stripe over its eyes and the dark line along its back. Tank-bred varieties are fairly rare in the hobby. This lively and uniquely marked fish thrives in schools, making it an excellent choice for nano, community, and planted aquariums.

The Bandit Cory is very gentle and gets along well with most nano tank inhabitants, such as dwarf cichlids and angelfish. While it may eat smaller dwarf shrimp, it is safe with larger shrimp and most other peaceful invertebrates. As a natural scavenger, it tends to explore and feed along the bottom of the tank, which should have sand or smooth gravel to protect its delicate barbels and belly. Coarse substrates can be harmful, so it’s important to use softer materials. This fish is not particularly demanding in terms of diet, as it will accept a variety of dry, frozen, and live foods. It adapts well to most tropical freshwater environments, provided regular maintenance is done and sudden changes are avoided. Although it scavenges, it’s crucial to offer a diverse, high-quality diet rather than relying on leftover food.

What We Appreciate About This Fish:

• A peaceful and hardy addition to nearly any aquarium
• Works well with most adult dwarf shrimp and other invertebrates
• Thrives in schools within well-planted tanks
• Unique colors and group behavior
• Rarely available as tank-bred specimens

Recommended Tank Conditions:

• Temperature: 68° - 79°F (20° - 26°C)
• pH: 5.5 - 7.5; prefers softer water but can adapt if sudden changes are avoided
• KH: 0 - 15 dKH
• Minimum tank size: 15 gallons for a group of six

Care Guidelines:

• Diet: High-quality dry foods along with live and frozen meaty options; variety is key.
• Social Behavior: Peaceful and needs a school of at least six to thrive.
• Origin: Tank-bred but native to Colombia and Venezuela.
• Average Adult Size: 1.6 - 2 inches (4 - 5 cm)
• Average Purchase Size: About 1 inch (2.5 cm)