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False network cory (Corydoras sodalis) — Callichthyidae

False network cory

Corydoras sodalis

The False network cory (Corydoras sodalis) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.9 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
South America: Brazil, Peru
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The False network cory is an armoured dwarf catfish (Callichthyidae) from clear streams and blackwater creeks of the upper Amazon basin in Peru. The species grows to about 5 cm and has a stocky body with two rows of overlapping bony plates, short barbels and an inferior mouth. As a peaceful, social bottom-dweller it roots through sand in small groups searching for insect larvae, small worms and detritus; sometimes it darts to the surface to gulp air. The dorsal and pectoral spines are mildly venomous and can give a painful prick when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the False network cory?

The False network cory has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the False network cory live?

The False network cory lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil, Peru

How big does the False network cory get?

The False network cory grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the False network cory dangerous to humans?

The False network cory is venomous — handle spines with care and seek medical help after a sting if needed. For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.

Is the False network cory edible?

Yes, the False network cory is commonly eaten.

More photos

False network cory (Corydoras sodalis) — Callichthyidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Shane S, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
False network cory sourced
Scientific name
Corydoras sodalis
Family
Callichthyidae
Other names
False network catfish sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.9 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Peru sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Invertebrates, algae and detritus inferred
Social behaviour
Schooling sourced
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Venomous / poisonous verified
First aid
For a sting from a fin spine: rinse the wound, remove any visible spine fragments and immerse the part for 30-90 minutes in water as hot as can be tolerated (about 45 C) to break down the venom. The pain can be severe. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Corydoras

More from the family Callichthyidae

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