Aspidoras

CoffeeMan

Whats the difference, if any, between Aspidoras and Corydoras? I'm thinking about getting some Aspidoras Albator for my 15g tank, but can't find much info about them on the web.

Mean Harri

Good question. Google turns up like 2 hits. I'd join that Cory forum but don't really want to.

CoffeeMan

Apparently I've been spelling it wrong... it's Aspidoras Albater, not Albator. There's still not much info, other than they are considered Cory's cousin. I like them because they are a little smaller than Cories, only getting 1.5 inches max.

Byron

I have two species of Aspidoras, A. belenos in my 115g and A. pauciradiatus in the 90g. They are basically identical to Corydoras (and Brochis) in behaviours, compatibility, spawning, and share identical water parameters depending upon origin of course.

All three genera are in the Callichthyidae family. Some authors have suggested combining the Aspidoras with some of the Corydoras species, but to my knowledge this has not got very far. I believe 17 species have been identified and named, and a further half dozen or so have been discovered and given numbers awaiting describing, much like the newer Corydoras and Loricariidae fish.

Like Corydoras, they are very sensitive to water quality and changes in parameters within the tank. They do not tolerate chemicals or medications well, and will frequently outright die with some. As I say, all Corydoras and Brochis share this characteristic. Not a fish to add to a new tank, but in an established aquarium will usually settle in well if water parameters are as required for the species. And must be in a group, the more the better. Some can be very playful.

Byron.