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Gery's cory (Corydoras geryi) — Callichthyidae

Gery's cory

Corydoras geryi

The Gery's cory (Corydoras geryi) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Venomous / poisonous
Range
South America: Bolivia

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Description

The Gery's cory is an armoured dwarf catfish (Callichthyidae) from clear streams and blackwater creeks of the upper Amazon basin in South America. 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 Gery's cory?

The Gery's cory has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.

Where does the Gery's cory live?

The Gery's cory lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Bolivia

How big does the Gery's cory get?

The Gery's cory grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Gery's cory dangerous to humans?

The Gery's 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Gery's cory sourced
Scientific name
Corydoras geryi
Family
Callichthyidae
Other names
Bolivian cory sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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: Bolivia 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

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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