Adolfoi Corydoras

Adolfoi Corydoras (Corydoras adolfoi)

The Adolfoi Corydoras is an attractive and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish originating from the upper Rio Negro region of Brazil. It is easily recognised by its pale silver-white body, bold black stripe running across the eye and along the back, and distinctive orange-gold patch on the top of the head. These contrasting markings make Adolfoi Corydoras a particularly striking addition to planted and South American community aquariums.

Like other Corydoras, they are highly social fish and should be kept in groups where they can display their natural shoaling and foraging behaviours. Their peaceful temperament makes them an excellent companion for small tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids, and other non-aggressive community species.

Physical Characteristics

• Adult Size: Approximately 5–6cm
• Body Shape: Compact, armoured catfish body with a flattened underside and downward-facing mouth
• Colouration: Pale silver to cream body with a prominent black eye stripe, dark marking along the back, and distinctive orange-gold patch across the upper head
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are generally larger and broader through the body, particularly when viewed from above, while males tend to remain slightly smaller and slimmer
• Lifespan: Approximately 5–8 years with proper care

Behaviour & Temperament

• Temperament: Peaceful and social
• Swimming Level: Primarily bottom dwelling
• Social Behaviour: A social shoaling species that spends much of its time exploring the substrate and interacting with other Corydoras
• Recommended Group Size: Minimum of 6 individuals recommended, with larger groups encouraged where space allows

Aquarium Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 60 litres recommended for a small group
• Water Temperature: 22–26°C
• pH Range: 5.5–7.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately soft water preferred
• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth, rounded substrate is strongly recommended to protect their sensitive barbels
• Aquascape: Provide shaded areas, driftwood, plants, leaf litter, and open areas of substrate for natural foraging behaviour
• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting

Food:

• Adolfoi Corydoras are omnivorous bottom dwellers that benefit from a varied diet. They should not be expected to survive solely on leftover food from other aquarium inhabitants.
• Suitable Foods: Quality sinking pellets, catfish wafers, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, insect larvae, and other appropriately sized sinking foods
• Frequency: Offer 1–2 appropriately sized meals daily, ensuring sufficient food reaches the bottom of the aquarium.

Compatibility:

• Suitable Tank Mates: Tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, small gouramis, other compatible Corydoras, and peaceful community fish
• Avoid Housing With: Large predatory fish, highly aggressive cichlids, or territorial species likely to harass bottom-dwelling fish

Breeding

• Spawning Type: Egg layer
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Notes: Females deposit adhesive eggs onto aquarium glass, plants, or other surfaces following courtship. Adults provide no parental care and may consume the eggs if they are not protected or transferred to a separate hatching setup.

Special Considerations

• Adolfoi Corydoras should always be kept in groups to encourage natural behaviour and reduce stress.
• Fine sand is ideal as these fish naturally sift through the substrate while searching for food.
• Maintain good water quality and avoid allowing excessive waste to accumulate along the aquarium floor.
• Like other Corydoras, they occasionally swim rapidly to the surface to gulp atmospheric air, which is normal behaviour.

Product Photo is for reference only. Exact fish may vary in size and colour.