Fin's Fish Guide
The Fairy corydoras (Corydoras atropersonatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 5 cm.
Description
The Fairy corydoras is a small armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from fresh water of the western Amazon basin in Peru and Ecuador. The species grows to about 4.5 cm and has a stocky body with two rows of overlapping bony plates and three pairs of barbels around an underslung mouth. The light-brown body is densely scattered with fine dark spots and bears a mask over the eyes. As a gregarious bottom-dweller it roots in groups through soft sand in search of worms, larvae and detritus and can take a gulp of air at the surface. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fairy corydoras?
The Fairy corydoras has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Fairy corydoras live?
The Fairy corydoras lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Ecuador, Peru
How big does the Fairy corydoras get?
The Fairy corydoras grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.
Is the Fairy corydoras dangerous to humans?
No, the Fairy corydoras is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Fairy corydoras edible?
Yes, the Fairy corydoras is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Corydoras
More from the family Callichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Fairy corydoras?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fairy corydoras is one of 12,519 species in the app.