Yellowfin armored catfish - Corydoras melanotaenia

The pretty yellowfin catfish originates from Peru and Colombia and is found there mainly in the Amazon basin. Scientifically it is also called Corydoras melanotaenia. With its "golden" appearance it is a great eye-catcher in the lower water zone, which can be maintained still quite uncomplicated. As a bottom group in the South American tank it cuts a great figure and is also great to socialize. They grow to about 5-6 cm in size and are considered to be one of the most colorful armored catfishes of all.

Because they are very sociable, you should not keep the Yellowfin Corydoras under a group of 5-7 animals. You can also keep several groups of Corydoras together. With several larger cold water changes and a good portion of black mosquito larvae you can bring them into spawning mood, where the female distributes almost 100 eggs in the spawning tank. The young hatch after about half a week. After the eggs are laid, put the parents back into the community tank. You can raise them on infusoria and rotifers, although a rearing tank is recommended. Later switch them to nauplii.

The aquarium for your Corydoras should have an edge length of at least 80 cm and be well structured. You can offer them a sandy corner, which they can browse or you can put them on rounded gravel, so that they don't hurt their sensitive barbels. Make sure the lighting is rather dim, you can also use floating plants to shade the tank a bit so they feel comfortable. They dart to the water surface several times a day because they are gut breathers. Therefore, make sure that this is always freely accessible.

Because your tetras are very peaceful, you can also keep them together with shrimps or other invertebrates, but it is better to avoid crayfish, as they can pinch the fins of your favorites. Other tetras and danios, but also loricariids can be kept together with them. However, do not put perches or much larger by-fish with them, as they can then quickly become shy.

As an omnivore you can feed the yellowfin catfish uncomplicated. Among other things, it feeds on the remains of other fish, but also tugs at algae and eats catfish tablets and chips. You can also surprise him with scalded vegetables and small frozen and live foods.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Catfish Feed for all aufwuchs feeding sucking catfish in the aquarium is a balanced tablet food, which does not cloud the water and the fish like to eat. The catfish tablets also contain NatureHolic active ingredient complexes that provide sucking catfish with everything they need for a strong immune system, healthy growth and great, contrasting coloration. As snack, supplementary food or vacation food we recommend the CatfishPlates.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.