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Lambert's cory (Corydoras lamberti) — Callichthyidae

Lambert's cory

Corydoras lamberti

The Lambert's cory (Corydoras lamberti) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 4 cm.

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

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Description

The Lambert's cory is an armoured dwarf catfish (Callichthyidae) from clear streams and blackwater creeks of the Napo basin in Ecuador. 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 Lambert's cory?

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

Where does the Lambert's cory live?

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

How big does the Lambert's cory get?

The Lambert's cory grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Lambert's cory dangerous to humans?

The Lambert'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
Lambert's cory sourced
Scientific name
Corydoras lamberti
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.8 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: 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

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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