Albino Cory

Also known as: Corydoras aeneus

The Albino Cory is a color variant of the bronze corydoras, characterized by its pale pinkish-white body and red eyes. The Albino Cory originates from South America, specifically the Amazon River basin in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela, reaches Adult size: 6-7 cm in captivity, typically lives 5-8 years, and is kept at 22-26°C (72-79°F). Individual fish vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.

Species at a glance

Origin: South America, specifically the Amazon River basin in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela
Adult size: Adult size: 6-7 cm (2.4-2.8 inches)
Life span: 5-8 years
Temperament: Peaceful and social, best kept in groups of 6 or more
Tank size: Minimum 60 liters (16 gallons) for a group of 6
Water temp: 22-26°C (72-79°F)
pH range: 6.0-7.8
Diet: Omnivorous; feeds on sinking pellets, frozen or live foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and scavenges detritus
Other names: Corydoras aeneus

About the Albino Cory

The Albino Cory is a color variant of the bronze corydoras, characterized by its pale pinkish-white body and red eyes. It is a bottom-dwelling catfish that uses its barbels to search for food in the substrate. This species is highly active and social, constantly foraging along the tank floor. Its hardy nature and peaceful demeanor make it a popular choice for community aquariums.

Lifespan and health

With proper care, Albino Corys typically live 5-8 years, though some individuals may reach 10 years in optimal conditions. Longevity is strongly influenced by water quality, diet variety, and stress levels; consistent maintenance and a balanced diet are critical for maximizing lifespan. Common health issues include barbel erosion from rough substrates or poor water quality, which can be prevented by using soft sand and maintaining clean conditions. Ich (white spot disease) may occur if temperatures drop below 22°C or during stress; treat with gradual temperature increase to 26-28°C (79-82°F) and appropriate medication. Fungal infections can develop on damaged barbels or skin; address promptly with antifungal treatments and improve water hygiene. Avoid copper-based medications as they are toxic to catfish; always verify medication safety for scaleless fish before use.

Overview

Care and tank setup

Tank setup should include a soft, fine sand substrate to protect their delicate barbels, along with driftwood, smooth rocks, and live plants like Java fern or Anubias for hiding spots. Provide moderate filtration with gentle flow to mimic their natural slow-moving streams. Water parameters must be stable: perform 25% weekly water changes, maintain ammonia and nitrite at 0 ppm, and keep nitrate below 20 ppm. Use a heater to maintain temperature within 22-26°C (72-79°F) and avoid sudden fluctuations. Feeding should occur once or twice daily with sinking foods; offer a varied diet including high-quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms 2-3 times per week, and occasional blanched zucchini. Ensure food reaches the bottom as they rarely feed from mid-water or surface. Tankmates should be peaceful community fish such as tetras, rasboras, guppies, or dwarf cichlids; avoid aggressive or large predators that may stress or injure them. Keep in groups of at least 6 to encourage natural schooling behavior and reduce stress.

Adding a Albino Cory? Research the species’ adult size and temperament carefully, quarantine new fish before introducing them to your tank, and buy from reputable aquarium stores or breeders.

Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Albino Cory, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.