Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Elegant Corydoras
Corydoras elegans Steindachner, 1876; now Gastrodermus elegans
Also called Elegant cory, Gastrodermus elegans (current name), Corydoras pestai (former synonym)
A calm, sociable fish that suits a peaceful community tank.
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Length | 5.1 to 5.5 cm (2 to 2 in)12 |
| Coat | Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales) |
| Origin | Western and upper Amazon basin in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil, in forest streams with sand, mud, leaf litter and fallen branches.213 |
| Last checked | 2026-09-30 |
Personality what they are like
A calm, sociable fish that suits a peaceful community tank. Unlike most corys it often hovers and cruises in open water as a little group, so it is more visible than a typical bottom-hugger.23
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for an Elegant Corydoras. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Looks how to spot one
Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales)
A slim little armoured catfish with an olive body marked by paired dark lengthwise stripes and grey and black patterning. The dorsal fin carries rows of grey dots arranged in arcs. Males tend to show richer, darker markings, while females are bigger and rounder.32
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and social, using both the bottom and the middle layer of the tank; open swimming space plus a soft foraging area suits it.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Keep water clean and well oxygenated with regular partial changes; a sandy bottom with some leaf litter and plants mirrors its home streams.2
Home where they are happiest
Temperature about 20 to 26 C, pH 6.0 to 7.5 and hardness 1 to 15 dGH per Seriously Fish; FishBase gives 22 to 26 C, pH 6.0 to 8.0. A planted tank with sand, wood and leaf litter fits its natural habitat.21
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivorous forager. Feed sinking dry foods plus small live and frozen items such as bloodworm, and make sure it gets its own food rather than relying on leftovers.2
Company who they like around
Keep at least four to six together; it is a shoaling species that often moves as a group.2
The story where it all began
Franz Steindachner described this species in 1876 from the Amazon at Tefe in Brazil. It gives its name to an informal 'elegans group' of similar small corys, and it has since been moved to the genus Gastrodermus.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Unusually for a cory, it spends much of its time swimming in midwater instead of on the bottom.3
- 2
Its gut is richly supplied with blood vessels, letting it use gulps of air from the surface as an extra oxygen source.2
- 3
When spawning, both sexes clean the undersides of leaves before the eggs are attached, and the eggs hatch in about three to four days.1
- 4
The species name elegans simply means 'elegant'.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 17 September 2020)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Steindachner in 1876; now placed in the genus Gastrodermus3
- Family
- Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes)2
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Elegant Corydoras?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Pet Wiki's starting plan is to offer food daily, and make sure your fish gets its share rather than relying on leftovers.2 Pet Wiki plan
What does an Elegant Corydoras eat, and what should it never eat?
It is an omnivorous forager that enjoys sinking dry foods plus small live and frozen items like bloodworm. Avoid any foods that are too large or float, as it needs to reach them at the bottom.2
How much space does an Elegant Corydoras need?
A tank of at least 60 cm (about 20 gallons) is recommended for a small group. Provide open swimming space plus a soft foraging area with sand and plants.23
What temperature, light or water does an Elegant Corydoras need?
Keep the water between 20 and 26°C, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 and hardness of 1 to 15 dGH. A planted tank with sand, wood, and leaf litter suits it well.21
How often should I clean an Elegant Corydoras's home?
Pet Wiki's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. Regular testing is also recommended. Pet Wiki plan
Can an Elegant Corydoras live with others?
Yes, it is a calm, sociable fish that thrives in a peaceful community tank. Keep at least four to six together as it is a shoaling species that moves as a group.23
How long does an Elegant Corydoras live?
Lifespan varies depending on care, but with good conditions it can live several years. For specific numbers, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle an Elegant Corydoras?
No, it is an armoured catfish with bony plates and no scales, so handling can stress or injure it. Always use a soft net and keep it in water.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Where this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Gastrodermus elegans fishbase.seused for size, water parameters, IUCN, spawning
- Seriously Fish: Corydoras elegans seriouslyfish.comused for origin, habitat, size, care, behaviour, history, air breathing
- Wikipedia: Corydoras elegans en.wikipedia.orgused for current genus, colouration, midwater behaviour, etymology
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.