Fin's Fish Guide
The Pastaza cory (Corydoras pastazensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 6 cm.
Description
The Pastaza cory is an armoured catfish (Callichthyidae) from fresh water of the upper Amazon basin in Ecuador and Peru. The species grows to about 6-9 cm and has a stocky body armoured with two rows of bony plates, barbels around the inferior mouth and a brown-spotted body with a dark shoulder mark. As a calm, social bottom-dweller it searches sand and mud bottoms in schools for worms, insect larvae and plant material. The stout spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins carry a mild venom and can give a painful puncture wound.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pastaza cory?
The Pastaza cory has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown. Bears venomous spines or tissue; handle with great care.
Where does the Pastaza cory live?
The Pastaza cory lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Ecuador
How big does the Pastaza cory get?
The Pastaza cory grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.
Is the Pastaza cory dangerous to humans?
The Pastaza 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. For marked swelling, a retained spine or signs of infection seek medical care and check tetanus status.
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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 Pastaza cory?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pastaza cory is one of 12,519 species in the app.