Skunk Corydoras

Skunk Corydoras

Corydoras arcuatus

Family: Callichthyidae • Origin: Various

Skunk Corydoras (Corydoras arcuatus) is a peaceful catfish reaching 2 inches. Keep in groups of 6+. Minimum tank size: 10 gallons.

Min Tank
10 gal
Max Size
2"
Temperature
72-79°F
pH
6-7.5
Lifespan
3 years
School Size
6+
Swim Level
bottom
Hardness
5-15 dGH
peacefulbeginneromnivoreschooling

Is Skunk Corydoras Right for Your Tank?

Skunk Corydoras is an excellent choice for beginners — rated "beginner" difficulty (1/5). They're hardy, forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, and generally easy to feed. At just 10 gallons minimum, they work well in nano tanks and smaller setups.

With a peaceful temperament, Skunk Corydoras makes a great community fish. They coexist well with other non-aggressive species of similar size. This is a schooling species — keep at least 6 together, or they may become stressed and display abnormal behavior. Expected lifespan: 3 years with proper care.

Common Mistakes with Skunk Corydoras

Keeping fewer than 6 together

Skunk Corydoras is a schooling species — they need a group of at least 6 to feel secure. Lone or paired individuals become stressed, hide constantly, and may develop health issues or aggression.

Putting them in a tank under 10 gallons

While 10 gallons is the minimum, nano tanks require more frequent water changes and leave less room for error. A slightly larger tank (15 gal) is much more forgiving.

Care Tips

  • Max size: 2 inches
  • Temperature: 72-79°F
  • pH: 6-7.5
  • Schooling — keep 6+ together
  • peaceful temperament — safe with community fish

Feeding: Standard omnivore diet. Accepts foods appropriate for Callichthyidae species.

Compatibility Notes: Typical peaceful Callichthyidae species.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size
10 gallons
Recommended Tank Size
15 gallons
Swimming Level
bottom
Minimum School Size
6+ fish

Water Parameters

Temperature
7279°F
pH Range
67.5
Hardness (dGH)
515
Water Type
freshwater

Behavior & Temperament

Temperament
peaceful
Aggression Level
1/5
Schooling
Yes
Territorial
No
Fin Nipper
No
Predatory
No
Diet Type
omnivore
Growth Rate
moderate

Typical peaceful Callichthyidae species.

Breeding

Breeding Type
egg layer
Breeding Difficulty
moderate
Lifespan
3 years

Ideal For

10 gallon

Compatible Tank Mates

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