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Fine spotted cory (Corydoras polystictus) — Callichthyidae

Fine spotted cory

Corydoras polystictus
LC · Least Concern

The Fine spotted cory (Corydoras polystictus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Large groups
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America; bottom of calm streams and rivers.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The manyspotted corydoras is an armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from South America. Like all species of the genus it bears two rows of bony plates and short barbels at the mouth. Its pale-grey body is strewn with numerous small dark spots, from which it gets its name. It lives in groups on the bottom of quiet streams and rivers and forages the sediment for worms, small crustaceans and insect larvae. The sharp pectoral fin spines can give a painful prick when handled.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Fine spotted cory?

The Fine spotted cory has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Light grey body strewn with small dark spots; sociable armoured catfish with sharp pectoral fin spines.

Where does the Fine spotted cory live?

The Fine spotted cory lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America; bottom of calm streams and rivers.

How big does the Fine spotted cory get?

The Fine spotted cory grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Fine spotted cory dangerous to humans?

No, the Fine spotted cory is harmless to humans. Not venomous in the usual sense, but the sharp, lockable pectoral fin spines can give a painful prick and the fish may release a mild skin secretion under stress. Handle carefully and clean any wound.

Is the Fine spotted cory edible?

The Fine spotted cory is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Fine spotted cory verified
Scientific name
Corydoras polystictus
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Forked inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
Yes sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America; bottom of calm streams and rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Worms, small crustaceans and insect larvae sourced
Social behaviour
Large groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Light grey body strewn with small dark spots; sociable armoured catfish with sharp pectoral fin spines. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
Not venomous in the usual sense, but the sharp, lockable pectoral fin spines can give a painful prick and the fish may release a mild skin secretion under stress. Handle carefully and clean any wound. 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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