Elegant Corydoras

Gastrodermus elegans

Elegant Corydoras is a peaceful bottom-dwelling corydoras. Keep in a loose group of 6+.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerKeep in a loose group of 6+Beginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Elegant Corydoras?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–77°F (23–25°C)
pH: 6–7.2
GH: 1–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Keep in a loose group of 6+

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–25 °C, pH 6–7.2, GH 1–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Elegant Corydoras is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Elegant Corydoras should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Target-feed sinking fine foods and small live/frozen invertebrates; do not rely on leftovers from surface fish.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Keep in a loose group of 6+.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Peru, Ecuador, Brazil.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Diamond Corydoras CW49 Corydoras sp. Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Adolfos Catfish Hoplisoma adolfoi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Agassizs Corydoras Brochis agassizii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Amanda Jane Corydoras Corydoras amandajanea Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C) Armatus Corydoras Corydoras armatus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Elegant Corydoras get?

Elegant Corydoras reaches ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Elegant Corydoras need?

Use an aquarium of at least 21 US gal (80 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Elegant Corydoras peaceful?

Yes. Elegant Corydoras is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Elegant Corydoras?

Keep it between 23 to 25 °C.

Should Elegant Corydoras be kept alone or in a group?

Elegant Corydoras: Keep in a loose group of 6+.