Description
Leopard Cory Catfish (Corydoras trilineatus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Corydoras trilineatus
Common Names: Leopard Cory, Three-lined Cory, Leopard Catfish
Family: Callichthyidae (Cory Catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes
Origin: South America — rivers and tributaries in Brazil, Venezuela, and Guyana
Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6 cm) in captivity
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
Tank Zone: Bottom dweller; peaceful and social
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 100 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.5 – 7.5
Temperature: 22 – 26°C (72 – 79°F)
Hardness: 2 – 12 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Small, armored catfish with silver to light brown body, decorated with dark spots resembling a leopard pattern; short barbels near mouth for foraging.
Behavior: Peaceful, active in groups; excellent scavenger of leftover food.
Swimming Style: Constantly exploring the bottom; occasionally mid-level swimming.
Unique Feature: Shoaling species — exhibits natural behavior only in groups of 5 or more.
Nature: Gentle, non-aggressive, and hardy; ideal for community tanks.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous bottom feeder
Diet: Sinking pellets, wafers, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia), blanched vegetables
Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts
Tip: Ensure food reaches the substrate; feed in groups for minimal competition
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 L) for a small group
Filtration: Moderate filtration; maintain good oxygenation
Decor: Soft sand or smooth substrate to protect barbels, driftwood, and live plants
Lighting: Low to moderateWater Change: 20–25% weekly for clean, stable water
👥 Social Behavior
Minimum Group Size: 5 or more (shoaling fish)Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish — tetras, rasboras, guppies, dwarf cichlidsAvoid: Aggressive or large predatory fish
✅ Do’s
Keep in groups for natural, stress-free behavior
Provide soft substrate to protect barbels
Maintain stable water parameters
Offer varied diet for optimal health and coloration
❌ Don’ts
Don’t keep alone — will become stressed
Don’t house with aggressive species
Don’t use sharp gravel that can damage barbels
⭐ Quick Tips
The Leopard Cory Catfish is a peaceful and active bottom-dweller, perfect for community freshwater aquariums.
Best suited for aquarists who want hardy, social fish that help keep the tank clean.
Thrives in well-planted tanks with soft substrate and groups of 5 or more, making it a favorite in cory collections.
