10 Facts About Albino Cory Catfsh

As a dedicated aquarist, some of my favorite fishy companions include a trio of albino corydoras catfish, or "cory cats" for short. These small, frisky, active catfish are excellent community fish and tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Because they are hardy, forgiving and social, albino cory cats are ideal pets for beginning fishkeepers.

Here are 10 interesting facts about albino cory catfish.

1. Most albino cory catfish are selectively bred from the bronze cory catfish, or Corydoras aeneus.

2. Albino corydoras catfish do not occur naturally in the wild; they have been bred exclusively for the commercial ornamental fish trade.

3. Most catfish are nocturnal, but the albino corydoras is most active during the day.

4. The name "corydoras" comes from the Greek kory (helmet) tand doras (skin). It literally translates to "helmet skin".

5. Albino cory catfish engage in an unusual mating behavior, in which the female attaches herself to the male's underside and drinks his sperm.

6. Female albino cory catfish are usually plumper than the males, but this is not a universal trait.

7. Cory catfish thrive at a temperature between 72-78 degrees. In homes that are kept consistently warm, they may thrive without a heater.

8. High nitrate levels can cause albino cory catfish to develop infected barbels; this makes it difficult for them to navigate and eat normally. Maintain nitrate levels below 20 ppm.

9. Most cory catfish die after 2-5 years in captivity. However, some live surprisingly long lives. One was recorded to live to be 27 years old!

10. Albino cory catfish sometimes rise to the water's surface to "drink" small amounts of air.

Visit Fishlore for more information about caring for albino cory cats.