Pastaza Corydoras

A long-snouted cory with a pale body, a dark mask through the eye and conspicuous dark blotches along the midline of the flank. The pointed snout and broken side pattern distinguish it from short-snouted masked corys.

Identify this profile by the combination of a long pointed snout with a dark dorsal saddle and spotted or mottled flanks. Colour alone can be unreliable in stressed, juvenile, or poorly conditioned fish, so body shape, snout length, fin pattern, and provenance should also be checked.

Mature females are generally fuller-bodied and broader through the abdomen, while males tend to be slimmer and may show slightly more pointed fins. Sexing young fish remains unreliable.

Provide a larger bottom area than for small short-snouted corys, using fine sand, open foraging lanes, sturdy cover and clean, well-oxygenated water. Long-snouted forms probe deeply into the substrate and should not be kept over sharp or compacted gravel.

A peaceful shoaling catfish that may remain reserved in a small group or brightly lit, exposed tank. Once settled with enough companions and cover, it becomes an active bottom forager and joins regular group movements.

Keep at least 6 of the same species or coded population, with 8 or more preferred where space permits. A mixed collection of single corys does not fully replace a proper same-species group.

It is not territorial. Males may briefly chase one another or follow females during courtship, but sustained aggression is unusual when the group has adequate floor space.

Suitable with peaceful community fish and other calm bottom dwellers when the aquarium has ample floor space. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predators and crowded mixtures of bottom feeders that compete for the same foraging area.

Soft, mildly acidic water best reflects the natural habitat and usually gives the most reliable breeding results. Stable clean water is more important than forcing an exact pH.

Offer substantial sinking pellets or granules plus varied frozen or live invertebrate foods. Long-snouted fish spend much of their time probing for buried food, but the substrate should not be allowed to collect uneaten material.

Feed after faster surface and midwater fish have taken their share, and confirm that every individual reaches food. Use small portions once or twice daily, remove persistent leftovers, and vary prepared and frozen or live foods.

Detailed aquarium breeding records are limited. It is expected to use the usual Corydoradinae T-position and attach adhesive eggs to firm surfaces, but triggers, egg output and fry requirements should not be presented as reliably established for this species.