Tailspot corydoras Breeding Guide

Breeding Process

Breeding Tailspot corydoras in captivity can be a rewarding experience for aquarists. These fish are moderately difficult to breed and require specific conditions to trigger spawning. To increase the chances of successful breeding, set up a separate breeding tank to keep both the adults and eventual fry safe. Maintain the water temperature between 20-26°C, ensuring it's on the cooler side to mimic rainy season conditions, which is a natural breeding trigger. The pH should be kept within the range of 6 to 7.5. Provide ample hiding spaces and a soft substrate, as these conditions mimic their natural habitat and encourage spawning behavior. Select a healthy group of Tailspot corydoras, ideally consisting of more females than males (a ratio of around 2:1 is preferred). Additionally, condition the group with high-quality live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or daphnia to enhance breeding readiness.

Spawning Behavior

Tailspot corydoras exhibit unique spawning behavior where the male and female perform a 'T-Position' during fertilization. The female deposits the eggs on a pre-cleaned surface, often the aquarium glass, leaves, or other tank decorations. To trigger spawning, perform regular water changes with slightly cooler water. Once spawning is observed, carefully remove the adults from the tank to prevent them from eating the eggs.

Care of the Fry

After spawning, maintain optimal water quality to ensure the eggs' success and prevent fungal infections. Infertile or fungused eggs should be removed to protect viable ones. It typically takes about 3 to 5 days for the eggs to hatch, depending on the temperature and environmental conditions. Feed the fry with highly nutritious foods that are suitable for their size. Initially, paramecium or infusoria can be the primary food source, followed by microworms and finely ground quality commercial fry foods as they grow. Keep the fry tank well-maintained, with regular water changes and monitoring of ammonia levels. As they mature, you can gradually introduce them to larger foods and eventually integrate them into the main tank with the proper acclimation process. Overall, patience and attention to detail are critical to successfully breeding Tailspot corydoras. With careful observation and maintenance, aquarists can successfully raise a new generation of these delightful fish.