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Pinkthroat corydoras (Corydoras spilurus) — Callichthyidae

Pinkthroat corydoras

Corydoras spilurus
LC · Least Concern

The Pinkthroat corydoras (Corydoras spilurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
5.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America; upper reaches of rivers with sandy bottoms in the Guianas and northern South America.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The tailspot corydoras is a small armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae from the Guianas and northern South America. The species grows to only about 6 cm and has the stocky, armoured body characteristic of Corydoras with two rows of bony plates, short barbels and a dark spot on the tail base. It is very abundant in the upper reaches of rivers with a sandy bottom and lives in schools. Rooting around, it searches with its barbels for small invertebrates, worms and detritus. Corydoras occasionally breathe gut air at the surface. The stout pectoral spines can prick, so handle the fish with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pinkthroat corydoras?

The Pinkthroat corydoras has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Dark blotch on the caudal peduncle; abundant armoured schooling catfish that breathes air through its intestine and can sting.

Where does the Pinkthroat corydoras live?

The Pinkthroat corydoras lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America; upper reaches of rivers with sandy bottoms in the Guianas and northern South America.

How big does the Pinkthroat corydoras get?

The Pinkthroat corydoras grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Pinkthroat corydoras dangerous to humans?

No, the Pinkthroat corydoras is harmless to humans. The stout, sharp fin spines can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle the fish with care. Clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or infection increases.

Is the Pinkthroat corydoras edible?

The Pinkthroat corydoras is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Pinkthroat corydoras verified
Scientific name
Corydoras spilurus
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.8 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown 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; upper reaches of rivers with sandy bottoms in the Guianas and northern South America. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates, worms and detritus sourced
Social behaviour
Schooling 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
Dark blotch on the caudal peduncle; abundant armoured schooling catfish that breathes air through its intestine and can sting. 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
The stout, sharp fin spines can cause painful puncture or cut wounds; handle the fish with care. Clean the wound, let it bleed, and seek medical care if pain or infection increases. 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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