Rabauti Cory

fish description – Rabauti Cory Care Guide ($Corydoras\ rabauti$)

Category	Detail
Scientific Name	$Corydoras\ rabauti$
Common Name	Rabauti Cory, Rust Cory, Iridescent Corydoras
Origin	Slow-moving tributaries and rivers of Peru and Brazil (South America)
Adult Size	2.2–2.6 inches (5.5–6.5 cm)
Temperament	Very peaceful, social, bottom-dwelling scavenger
Lifespan	5–8 years
Care Level	Easy

Export to Sheets

---

 

Appearance and Sexual Differences

 

• Short Description: A small, armored catfish with a compact body and a gentle face adorned with barbels. It has a distinctive dark lateral stripe running along the upper flank, and a subtle, attractive rusty orange or metallic violet sheen develops on the body as the fish matures.
• Coloration: Body has a silvery-bronze base color, often developing rusty or coppery tones, with a dark stripe running horizontally along the upper half. Females are noticeably larger and rounder/wider when viewed from above, especially when carrying eggs. Males are slimmer and slightly smaller.
• Fins: Typical Corydoras armored body and pectoral fins with spines (handle with care).
• Behavior: They are highly social shoaling fish that must be kept in groups. They spend their time actively foraging (“sifting”) the substrate with their sensitive barbels. They occasionally dart to the surface for a gulp of air (labyrinth function).

---

 

Tank Requirements and Water Parameters

 

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (75 liters) is recommended for a school. They require plenty of floor space for foraging activity.
• Schooling: Must be kept in schools of at least 6 individuals or more of the same species to reduce stress and encourage natural social behavior.
• Temperature: Tropical range: $72^\circ$–$79^\circ\text{F}\ (22^\circ$–$26^\circ\text{C})$. Stability is important.
• pH Level: Soft, neutral to slightly acidic water is preferred: 5.8 to 7.0. They are hardy but require very clean, well-maintained water with low nitrates.
• Aquascape: The substrate must be fine sand or very smooth gravel to protect their delicate sensory barbels from damage/infection. Provide plenty of cover using driftwood, rocks (smooth edges only), and dense planting (Java Fern, Anubias). Gentle water flow is preferred.

---

 

Diet and Feeding

 

The Rabauti Cory is an omnivorous bottom-dwelling scavenger.

• Staple Diet: Should be specifically fed high-quality sinking pellets or wafers (algae or shrimp-based). Do not rely solely on them eating scraps from the upper levels.
• Supplementation: A varied diet, including protein, is essential. Offer live or frozen meaty foods regularly: Bloodworms, Daphnia, and especially Brine Shrimp.
• Schedule: Feed once daily, preferably in the evening after the main lights dim, to ensure they get enough food without competition from faster community fish.

---

 

Compatibility

 

• Caution: Should not be kept with large, aggressive bottom-dwellers or cichlids that might harass or prey upon them. Coarse or sharp substrate will damage their barbels.
• Good Tank Mates: Nearly all small, peaceful, community fish that occupy the middle and top levels. Examples include Tetras (Neon, Rummy Nose), Rasboras (Harlequin, Chili), Dwarf Gouramis, and peaceful Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma).