Corydoras adolfoi (Adolfoi Cory)

Dorydoras adolfoi (Adolfo’s Corydoras) – Care Guide

Scientific Name: Corydoras adolfoi
Common Name: Adolfo’s Cory
Family: Callichthyidae
Origin: Upper Rio Negro, Brazil
Adult Size: 5–6 cm 
Lifespan: 5–10 years in optimal conditions
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful and social

Description

Adolfo’s Corydoras is a strikingly beautiful and peaceful bottom-dweller, known for its clean white body, bold black stripe across the eye, and a contrasting orange patch near the dorsal fin. Native to soft, tannin-rich waters in the Amazon, this species is a favorite among aquarists for its unique appearance and gentle temperament. It thrives in well-maintained community tanks with others of its kind.

Diet

Dorydoras adolfoi is an omnivore and benefits from a varied diet.
Ideal Foods Include:

• High-quality sinking catfish pellets

• Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp

• Occasional blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, cucumber)

• Algae wafers and spirulina-based pellets

Feed once or twice daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom where they feed.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 75L(for a group)

• Temperature: 22–26°C 

• pH Range: 6.0–7.5

• Water Hardness: 2–12 dGH

• Substrate: Fine sand preferred to protect sensitive barbels

• Decor: Driftwood, leaf litter, plants, and hiding spots

• Filtration: Gentle flow with good oxygenation

Regular water changes and clean, stable conditions are essential to their health.

Behavior & Compatibility

Adolfo’s Corydoras are peaceful, shoaling fish that should always be kept in groups of 5 or more. They are active during the day and tend to explore the tank bottom together.

Good Tank Mates:

• Tetras and rasboras

• Peaceful dwarf cichlids

• Other Corydoras

• Small gouramis and livebearers

They are highly social and do best in calm, community-oriented setups.

Breeding

Breeding Dorydoras adolfoi is possible in a home aquarium with proper conditions.

Key Points:

• Condition males and females with protein-rich foods

• Trigger spawning with cool water changes to simulate rainy season

• Eggs are usually laid on flat surfaces or plant leaves

• Adults may eat the eggs—remove either the adults or eggs for best results

• Eggs hatch in 3–5 days; feed fry with infusoria, then baby brine shrimp

Care Tips

• Keep in groups for natural behavior and reduced stress

• Avoid rough substrates to prevent barbel damage

• Maintain high water quality and avoid high nitrates

• Monitor for disease during import; they are sensitive to poor conditions