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Spotted collar cory (Corydoras brevirostris) — Callichthyidae

Spotted collar cory

Corydoras brevirostris
LC · Least Concern

The Spotted collar cory (Corydoras brevirostris) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Can cause injury
Range
The north of South America, in the Orinoco basin.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The shortnose cory is a small armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae from northern South America, in the Orinoco basin. The species reaches only about 5 cm and has a body covered, instead of scales, with two rows of bony plates. Around the downward-pointing mouth it bears barbels with which it searches for food in sand and silt; the diet consists of worms, insect larvae and plant matter. It lives in schools on the bottom. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are sharp and mildly venomous and can deliver a painful sting when handled carelessly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Spotted collar cory?

The Spotted collar cory has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Armoured body with bony plates; sharp, mildly venomous fin spines that sting when handled.

Where does the Spotted collar cory live?

The Spotted collar cory lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. The north of South America, in the Orinoco basin.

How big does the Spotted collar cory get?

The Spotted collar cory grows to a maximum of about 5 cm. On average the species is around 4 cm.

Is the Spotted collar cory dangerous to humans?

The Spotted collar cory can cause injury; handle it with care. The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are sharp and mildly venomous; a sting gives a painful, burning wound. Hold the fish carefully, immerse the wound in warm water if needed and clean and disinfect it.

Is the Spotted collar cory edible?

The Spotted collar cory is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Spotted collar cory verified
Scientific name
Corydoras brevirostris
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
5.0 verified
Average length (cm)
3.5 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
The north of South America, in the Orinoco basin. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Worms, insect larvae and plant material from the bottom 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
Armoured body with bony plates; sharp, mildly venomous fin spines that sting when handled. 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
Can cause injury sourced
First aid
The pectoral and dorsal fin spines are sharp and mildly venomous; a sting gives a painful, burning wound. Hold the fish carefully, immerse the wound in warm water if needed and clean and disinfect it. 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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