ALBINO AENEUS CORYDORAS CATFISH  (Corydoras aeneus ‘Albino’)
The Albino Aeneus Corydoras is a peaceful and hardy freshwater catfish, popular among aquarists for its playful behavior, social nature, and striking pale coloration. It is a selectively bred variant of the Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus) and is well-suited for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
Appearance
Body Color: Pinkish-white with a pearlescent sheen.
Eyes: Red eyes, a typical trait of albino fish.
Size: Grows up to 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm) in length.
Body Shape: Compact and armored, featuring two rows of bony plates for protection.
Barbels: Equipped with sensitive barbels around the mouth, used to search for food in the substrate.
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (for a small group).
Water Parameters:
Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 2–12
KH: 2–8
Filtration: Gentle filtration with a sponge or canister filter to maintain water quality.
Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel to protect their sensitive barbels.
Plants & Decorations: Provide hiding spots with live plants, driftwood, and caves to mimic their natural environment.
Diet
Albino Aeneus Corydoras are omnivorous bottom feeders that require a varied diet:
Staple Foods: Sinking pellets, wafers, and high-quality catfish food.
Supplementary Foods: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blanched vegetables (such as zucchini and cucumber).
Foraging Behavior: They actively sift through the substrate for leftover food, helping to keep the tank clean.
Behavior & Compatibility
Temperament: Peaceful, social, and active bottom dwellers.
Schooling Fish: Best kept in groups of 5 or more to prevent stress and encourage natural behaviors.
Tank Mates: Compatible with small, non-aggressive fish like tetras, rasboras, guppies, mollies, and other peaceful community fish. Avoid aggressive species or large predators.
Breeding
Egg Layers: They scatter eggs on glass, plants, or decorations after a mating ritual.
Breeding Conditions: Cooler water changes (2–4°F lower) often trigger spawning.
Hatching Time: Eggs hatch in about 3–5 days, and fry feed on powdered food and baby brine shrimp.
Conclusion
The Albino Aeneus Corydoras is an easy-to-care-for, active, and social fish that makes a fantastic addition to community aquariums. Their playful nature, peaceful temperament, and ability to keep the substrate clean make them both aesthetic and functional members of any well-maintained tank.