Freshwater

Figure 8-4:
There are
over 50
species of
corys that
are great for
the home
aquarium.
Chapter 8: Finding Your Species
plenty of space for this species to grow. This species can be slightly territorial,
so good tankmates can include fish that can hold their own, such as larger
cichlids.
Suckermouth catfish do well in temperatures between 69–79 degrees F and is
very tolerant of most normal aquarium conditions.
Constantly in search of food, the suckermouth may tear up vegetation if your
aquarium is planted as it bashes its way through anything in its path. The
suckermouth is herbivorous (it loves to remove algae from your aquarium)
and swims in the lower and middle levels of the tank.
If you want smaller versions, you can purchase clown plecos or the
bristlenose pleco which only grow to a couple inches in length.
Cory (Corydoras species)
Probably the most popular species of catfish for the home aquarium is the
cory (Figure 8-4). Corys come in a wide variety of spotted and striped patterns,
are inexpensive, and do a good job cleaning debris (fallen food, dead
plant leaves) from the bottom of the tank. The friendly little blackfin cory
from South America is one outstanding omnivorous member of this genus
that swims in the lower levels. Corys should be kept in schools (at least
three) and are easily bred by amateurs. Females are larger and rounder than
the males of the species.
They spend most of their time in search of food, so make sure you provide
them will sinking pellet foods such as algae wafers. These fish can reach
lengths of 2–3 inches on average in a home aquarium and have been known
to live as long as ten years.
Keep their water temperature between 72–78 degrees. Good tankmates
include livebearers, rasboras, danios, barbs, tetras, gouramis, angelfish, rainbowfish,
and other peaceful scavengers such as the pleco.
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