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Species profile

Three Line Corydoras

Corydoras trilineatus

Common names: Three Line Corydoras, Three Line Catfish, Threestripe Corydoras, Leopard Catfish

Recognized speciesCorydoras

Adult size

Up to 5.5 cm

Up to 5.5 cm

Countries of origin

  • See all stock from Brazil
  • See all stock from Colombia
  • See all stock from Peru
  • See all stock from Suriname

Good fit for your tank?

Good fit for

  • A peaceful community tank with similar-sized fish
  • A small, well-kept nano tank

Think carefully if

  • You only want to keep one or two, because this fish needs a group of 6 or more

A common, easy cory with a net of dark lines and spots, and a dark line along its side. Keep a group of at least 6 in 40 litres or more.

Appearance and Identification

A common, easy cory with a net of dark lines and spots, and a dark line along its side. It is often sold under the name Corydoras julii, a similar fish.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Females are larger and rounder, and they look broader when viewed from above.

Tank Requirements

Suggested filter
About 160–200 litres an hour
Suggested heater
About 50–75 W for this tank
Minimum tank volume
40 litres
Minimum tank length
45 cm
Minimum group size
6
Recommended group size
10
Activity level
Moderate
Flow preference
Low to moderate
Planting preference
Moderately planted
Hiding places
Yes
Lid recommended
Yes
Jumping risk
Moderate

Use a soft sand bottom, because rough gravel can wear down its barbels, and keep the water clean. It sometimes darts to the surface for air, which is normal.

Behaviour and Tankmates

A peaceful, sociable bottom-dweller that spends the day rooting through the sand in a group.

Keep a group of at least 6, and more if you can.

Not territorial.

An ideal community fish, with small, peaceful fish that like similar water. It does not eat algae or clean the tank, so it needs its own food.

Check tankmates for this species

Water Parameters

Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
5.8–7.2
GH
1–12
Stability importance
Important

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable. Keep the temperature steady.

Parameter caveat
Keep up regular water changes, and acclimatise new fish slowly.

Feeding

Diet types
Omnivore
Feeding frequency
Daily
Preferred foods
  • Sinking pellets or wafersFeed after lights-out if faster fish take everything first.
  • Frozen bloodworm and brine shrimpOffer several times a week.
  • Blanched vegetablesCourgette or cucumber add variety for fish that graze.

Eats small invertebrates in the wild. Feed sinking foods that reach the bottom.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

Breeding

Breeding type
Substrate Spawner
Breeding difficulty
Moderate
Parental care
Variable
Baby foods
  • Newly hatched brine shrimpThe fry can usually take this from the start.
  • Crushed flakeA simple addition as they grow.

Lays its eggs on a cleaned surface, such as a stone, leaf or the bottom of the tank, and the parents may guard them. Move eggs or adults if you want to raise many fry.

Habitat and Origin

Geographic origin
Brazil, Colombia, Peru, South America, Suriname
Natural habitat
River
Aquarium contexts
Nano Aquarium, Planted Aquarium
Audience level
Beginner

Classification

Profile type
Recognized species
Genus
Corydoras
Family
Callichthyidae
Species group
Corydoras, Fish

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