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Wolf cory (Corydoras geoffroy) — Callichthyidae

Wolf cory

Corydoras geoffroy
LC · Least Concern

The Wolf cory (Corydoras geoffroy) is a freshwater fish of the family Callichthyidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Schooling
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America; sandy bottoms of rivers and creeks of the Guianas and northern South America.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Geoffroy's corydoras is an armoured catfish of the family Callichthyidae from the Guianas and northern South America; it is the type species of the genus Corydoras. The species grows to about 7 cm and has the characteristic stocky, armoured body with two rows of bony plates and short barbels at the mouth. It lives in schools on sand bottoms of rivers and creeks. 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 careful handling is advised.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Wolf cory?

The Wolf cory has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Type species of Corydoras; small armoured schooling catfish that breathes air through the gut and can sting with its pectoral fin spines.

Where does the Wolf cory live?

The Wolf cory lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America; sandy bottoms of rivers and creeks of the Guianas and northern South America.

How big does the Wolf cory get?

The Wolf cory grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Wolf cory dangerous to humans?

No, the Wolf cory 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 Wolf cory edible?

The Wolf cory is not usually eaten.

More photos

Wolf cory (Corydoras geoffroy) — Callichthyidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Arnaud Aury, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
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All data

Identification

English name
Wolf cory verified
Scientific name
Corydoras geoffroy
Family
Callichthyidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
7.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) 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; sandy bottoms of rivers and creeks of 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
Type species of Corydoras; small armoured schooling catfish that breathes air through the gut and can sting with its pectoral fin spines. 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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