All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.
When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.
ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra.
Bandit Cory (Corydoras metae)
Description:
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Appearance:
- Body: Small, compact, and robust with a slightly flattened body shape typical of Corydoras species.
- Color: Light to medium brown or beige body with distinctive dark bands or spots that give it a "bandit" appearance. The pattern includes horizontal bands or spots running along the body.
- Size: Generally grows to about 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in length.
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Behavior:
- Activity: Active and bottom-dwelling. Known for their playful and inquisitive nature, often seen foraging and sifting through the substrate.
- Social Structure: Highly social; prefers to be kept in groups. Schooling helps reduce stress and encourages natural behaviors.
Care Requirements:
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Tank Size:
- Minimum of 20 gallons (76 liters) for a small group. Larger tanks are preferred to provide adequate space and improve water quality.
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Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C).
- pH: 6.0-7.5.
- Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water. They thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions.
- Filtration: Standard filtration is adequate. Ensure the filter does not create strong currents, as Corydoras prefer calmer waters.
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Tank Setup:
- Substrate: Soft, smooth substrate such as sand or fine gravel. Avoid sharp or rough substrates to protect their sensitive barbels.
- Aquascaping: Provide hiding spots and structures like rocks, driftwood, and plants. These help create a comfortable environment and reduce stress.
- Lighting: Standard aquarium lighting is sufficient. They do not require special lighting but do best with moderate light levels.
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Diet:
- Primary Food: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality sinking pellets or tablets, as well as live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia.
- Supplemental Food: Offer occasional treats like blanched vegetables (e.g., zucchini, peas) to provide dietary variety and support overall health.
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Behavioral Considerations:
- Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful fish. Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species. Suitable tank mates include small to medium-sized community fish.
- Social Behavior: Bandit Corydoras are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 5-6 individuals to ensure they feel secure and exhibit natural behaviors.
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Tank Maintenance:
- Water Changes: Perform regular water changes (20-30% weekly) to maintain water quality and reduce toxin buildup.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank and remove any uneaten food or waste. Ensure the filtration system is functioning properly.
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Health Care:
- Observation: Monitor for signs of stress or illness, such as changes in behavior, loss of appetite, or visible symptoms like discoloration or damaged barbels.
- Treatment: Maintain optimal water conditions and consult an aquarium professional if any health issues arise. Address any signs of disease or stress promptly to ensure the health of your fish.