Albino Corydoras

The Albino Corydoras is a captive-bred color morph of the Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus). It features a creamy white or pink body with distinct red eyes due to a lack of pigmentation. Growing to about 6–7 cm (2.5 inches), these are peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish that spend their day scavenging for leftover food. They are incredibly hardy, active, and social fish that must be kept in groups. They are best kept on sand or fine gravel to protect their sensitive whiskers (barbels). Now in stock

Category: Fishes

Description

1. Origin & Genetics

Scientific Name: Corydoras aeneus (Albino var.).
Origin: The original Bronze Corydoras is native to South America, but the Albino variety does not exist in the wild. It is purely a product of aquarium breeding.
Genetics: They lack melanin (dark pigment), which is why their body is white and their eyes appear red or pink (you are actually seeing the blood vessels in the eye).

2. Appearance

Body: They have a stout, “armored” body. Instead of standard scales, they have rows of bony plates called scutes.
Color: The body often has a pinkish hue; this is not skin pigment, but rather their blood showing through their translucent skin.
Barbels: They have sensitive whiskers near their mouth used to taste and smell food hidden in the substrate.

3. Behavior & “Wiggle”

Schooling: Like all Corydoras, they are extremely social. You must keep them in groups of at least 6. When kept in groups, they are much more active and will “wiggle” across the bottom together.
Intestinal Breathing: You may occasionally see them dart rapidly to the surface, gulp air, and swim back down. This is normal behavior! They can absorb oxygen through their gut.
Temperament: They are 100% peaceful and ignore other fish.

4. Aquarium Care (Substrate is Key)

Substrate: This is the most important rule for Corydoras. You should use sand or smooth, rounded gravel. Sharp gravel (like crushed lava rock) will cut their sensitive barbels, leading to infection and starvation.
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (mainly for the floor space).
Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22°C – 26°C (72°F – 79°F).
- pH: 6.0 – 7.5.

5. Diet

Scavengers: They are excellent at eating uneaten food that falls to the bottom, helping keep the tank clean.
Feeding: However, they cannot survive on scraps alone. You must feed them sinking catfish pellets or wafers to ensure they get enough nutrition. They also love frozen bloodworms.

6. Breeding

Difficulty: Easy.
Method: They are famous for the “T-Position” mating dance. The female will carry eggs between her pelvic fins and stick them onto the aquarium glass or plants.