Delphax Corydoras (Corydoras delphax) are beautiful Corydoras characterized by spots on its body and the black marks over the eyes and dorsal fin. Originating from the rivers and streams of South America and Central America, there are over 150 different species of Corydora catfish. Delphax Corydoras are bottom dwelling fish that will scavenge and clean your aquarium. They are easy and hardy fish to care for because they can tolerate a wide range of water parameters. Delphax Corydoras are also peaceful and social, making them excellent fish for beginners looking to add bottom-dweller fish in their community tank.
Characteristics
| Name | Delphax Corydoras |
| Scientific Name | Corydoras delphax |
| Family | Callichthyidae |
| Subfamily | Corydoradinae |
| Origin | South America |
| Size | 3 inches (7.5cm) but are usually smaller |
| Minimum Tank Size | 20 Gallons |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Ease of Care | Easy |
| Diet | Omnivores |
| Breeding | Egglayer |
| PH | PH 6.0-7.0 |
| Water Temperature | 70-79F (21-26C) |
| Water Hardness Level | Soft to Hard (50-150mg/l) |
What are Other Names for Delphax Corydoras
Delphax Corydoras are also called False Blochi Catfish.
How Big Do Delphax Corydoras Get?
Delphax Corydoras can grow to 3 inches (7.5cm) but are usually smaller..
What to Feed Delphax Corydoras?
Delphax Corydoras are omnivores. Delphax Corydoras are bottom dweller fish that will feed on uneaten food. Even though they are scavengers, you still need to feed Delphax Corydoras their own food. It’s not enough to rely on food collected from scavening as their only food source. You should supplement their diet with sinking pellets that are formulated for bottom-dwelling fish.
How to Set Up an Aquarium for Delphax Corydoras?
Delphax Corydoras will thrive in a well planted aquarium with open swim areas. Delphax Corydoras spend their day digging and will use their mouth to dig the substrate. Use fine substrate like sand instead of gravel in your aquarium to make it easier for Delphax Corydoras to dig and to prevent damaging their whisker-like barbels.
What are the Best Water Parameters for Delphax Corydoras?
Delphax Corydoras are tolerant of a wide range of water parameters but should not be in excessively acidic water conditions.
What is the Ideal Water Temperature for Delphax Corydoras?
Delphax Corydoras should be kept in a tank with a water temperature of 70-79F (21-26C).
How to Set-Up Your Tank for Breeding Delphax Corydoras?
Set up a breeding tank with 1 male and 2 female Cory catfish. Make sure the breeding tank is well-planted so Delphax Corydoras can lay their eggs on the plant leaves (Java Moss). You can also use spawning mops. Set up the breeding tank with fine substrate like sand or keep the tank bare without any substrate. Add one or two pots or big shells, so your Delphax Corydoras can hide and feel safe during spawning. For optimal breeding conditions, it’s important to keep your Delphax Corydoras well fed.
How to Breed Delphax Corydoras?
Delphax Corydoras are egg layers. Breeding occurs with the female Delphax Corydoras swallowing male sperm and then releasing the sperm from her gut to her cupped pelvic fins along with some eggs. She will lay these eggs in small batches on plant leaves or on the aquarium surface.
The eggs will hatch 5-6 days later. After hatching, the young Corydoras will stay on the substrate and consume their yolk sac until they become free swimming. Once they are free swimming, feed the young Corydoras with fish food specifically for fry or freshly hatched brine shrimp.
How to Get Delphax Corydoras to Start Spawning?
Here are 3 things you can do to trigger spawning 1.) Do a partial cold water change. Add colder water into the tank. This will bring aquarium water temperature down a few degrees which will simulate the water temperature after a heavy rainstorm. 2.) Feed your Delphax Corydoras high protein, high nutrient food. Keeping them well-fed will condition your Delphax Corydoras for spawning. 3.) Increase airflow in your aquarium. The increased airflow will simulate the strong river currents after a rain storm. This will trigger spawning. Under the right conditions, your Delphax Corydoras will start spawning.
Will Adult Delphax Corydoras Eat Their Eggs?
Delphax Corydoras will eat their own eggs. You will need to separate the adults from the eggs. You can do this by moving the the eggs to a fry tank or moving the adult Corydoras out of the tank.
You can move the eggs to a breeding box or a fry tank. If the eggs are on plant leaves, remove the entire plant and transfer it to the fry tank. If you are using a breeding box, you can gently remove the eggs one by one with your fingers and transfer them to the breeding box. If the eggs are on the aquarium glass, gently scrape off the eggs with your finger and transfer them to the fry tank. You can also use a credit card to scrape eggs off the aquarium glass.
Delphax Corydoras will lay eggs in many different places in the aquarium so you should check the entire aquarium for eggs- behind filters, on plant leaves, aquarium glass, shells, etc. Make sure the water parameters and water temperature of the fry tank are similar to the breeding tank.
Add a few drops of methylene blue to the fry tank to prevent egg fungus. You should also add an airstone to aerate to prevent egg fungus. Once the eggs hatch, remove the methylene blue because it will be harmful to the fry. Use a sponge filter in the fry tank. Sponge filters are gentler and will not suck up the Delphax Corydoras fry.
Are Delphax Corydoras Peaceful or Aggressive Fish?
Delphax Corydoras are social and peaceful fish.
How Many Delphax Corydoras in a Tank?
Delphax Corydoras are not solitary fish. They are social fish that should be kept in groups of the same species. If space permits and without overstocking your tank, keep at least 5 Delphax Corydoras in your tank. A group of Delphax Corydoras will look impressive.
Use Our Tank Calculators
Use our How Many Fish in a 10 Gallon Tank Calculator to find out how many Delphax Corydoras you can keep in a 10 gallon tank. For 20 gallon tanks, use our How Many Fish in a 20 Gallon Tank Calculator to find out how many Delphax Corydoras you can keep in a 20 gallon tank.
What Fish are Compatible with Delphax Corydoras?
Delphax Corydoras are compatible with most peaceful topwater and midwater fish that share similar water parameter requirements. There are a lot of fish that are compatible with Delphax Corydoras such as tetras, barbs, danios and livebearers like guppies, swordtails and platies.
Do I Still Need to Clean the Aquarium Since Delphax Corydoras are Tank Cleaners?
Even though your Delphax Corydoras are tank cleaners, you still need to clean the aquarium. Perform partial water changes at least once every 3 weeks. This will keep nitrate levels low and help maintain optimal water quality. Use a gravel cleaner to remove dirt buildup on the substrate during partial water changes. Dirt buildup on the aquarium substrate can damage your Delphax Corydoras whisker-like barbels.
Check out our article on How to Clean Your Aquarium in 15 minutes
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