Data sheet Nanus armored catfish
German name:
Nanus armored catfish
Scientific name:
Corydoras nanus
Origin:
South America
Size:
Body length 4cm – 8cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 80 cm width and from 50 cm width
Contents:
110 liters
water values
Temperature:
23°C – 25°C,
pH:
6 – 7
GH:
1° – 12° dH
Behave
Area:
lower area
Lining:
Omnivore – mostly animal food
Behave:
peaceful, swarm-oriented
Number:
Group, 5-10 animals
Difficulty level:
normal
Origin
The natural range of the Nanus armored catfish is in Central and South America from Trinidad to Argentina. There the fish can be found in slow-moving and stagnant waters in the muddy or sandy water areas. The oxygen content is very low and is further reduced by organic matter. For this reason he is one intestinal breather and enables the intestines to absorb oxygen.
Corydoras nanus belongs to the family of armored and calloused catfish (Callichthyidae) and to the subfamily of armored catfish (Corydoradinae).
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Look
The characteristic physique is compact and squat and the stomach is flat. The head shape is rounded and there are two barbels on the mouth. A typical feature is the bone-like, armored skin double row bone plates how roof tiles are arranged. The dorsal stripe falls towards the caudal fin. The dorsal fin can be erected with the front fin ray and the large adipose fin is maintained by a spiny ray. The catfish can hear very well under water thanks to the “Weberian apparatus”.
attitude
The Nanus armored catfish is an adaptable and hardy fish. He moves in a swarm of 5 to 10 conspecifics through the tank and scurrying around on the floor, it is particularly fun to watch them. The species-appropriate aquarium leaves enough space for swimming and measures an edge length of 80 cm or more. The size of the tank should be adapted to the number of fish.
The structured setup consists of a background planting with large-leaved aquatic plants such as speleaf, tomentosum or the java fern. Sufficient free space on the ground gives the swarm free rein for activities. Overhanging plant leaves, safe stone structures, clay tubes and morkien roots serve as resting and observation points. The armored catfish like to hide during the day and only become really active in the evening hours.
The optimal substrate for the tank consists of soft, round aquarium sand. The texture protects the barbels from injury when digging.
Armored catfish like clear and fresh water with a germ-poor water quality. This is ensured by a good biologically based aquarium filter system and a regular partial water change of one third of the water every two weeks. The fresh water must always have the same temperature. The addition of peat or leaves such as oak, alder cones, common beech, sea almond leaves, walnut ensures good water quality and can also be eaten.
The diet of the catfish species is omnivorous and directed to both plant and animal foods. The focus is on animal live food, frozen food, flake food, granulated food and special food for armored catfish.
food
while playing the quality of the feed play a major role in the health, vitality and longevity of the animals. Cheap food often contains unhealthy substances and valuable nutrients are missing. In addition, it is poorly digested and the nutrient-rich droppings encourage algae growth and germ formation. Exhaustion, allergies and illnesses and even the smallest injuries in the mouth area of the fish can be the result.
gender differences
Male Nanus armored catfish are slightly slimmer than the stronger females.
breed
The offspring in the aquarium can succeed if the water quality is good. About the females to stimulate spawning, helps a protein-rich food such as mosquito larvae. In addition, a daily partial water change should take place and the temperature is temporarily lowered by 5°C. The water hardness is adjusted to 5 to 10°, the pH to 7 and the temperature to 26 to 30°C.
When the female is ready to spawn, she swims excitedly around the male. The male stops in front of the female, pressing his head into her flank until a cloud of semen escapes. Then the female forms a pocket with the pectoral fins and places the eggs in it and glues them as detention spawner on stones, roots or plants.
socialization
Corydoras nanus does well socialize with other peaceful ornamental fish. Especially if they live in the middle and upper pelvic zone. This includes:
tetra
scalars
toothcarp
dwarf cichlids
snails and mussels
Too dense stocking slows down the armored catfish in their activity.
With species-appropriate keeping, the Nauns mailed catfish can Age of up to 10 years to reach.