Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Skunk Corydoras
Brochis arcuatus (Elwin, 1938); long known as Corydoras arcuatus
Also called Skunk cory, Arched cory, C020, Corydoras arcuatus (former name)
From Western upper Amazon: small blackwater and clearwater streams in western Brazil, far north-eastern Peru and south-eastern Colombia (middle Jurua and Javari basins and streams near Leticia).12
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Armoured catfish (bony plates, no scales)
A neat, pale cory with a single bold black band that arches from the snout through the eye and along the back toward the tail, a bit like a skunk's stripe. Females grow larger and rounder than males.3
Personality what they are like
Peaceful and sociable, happiest working over the substrate with a group of its own kind alongside other gentle fish.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A typical busy bottom forager that also gulps air at the surface from time to time.32
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Soft sand, clean water and regular partial changes. Handle carefully, as the fin spines are stiff.3
Home where they are happiest
Water 20 to 28 C, pH about 5.0 to 8.0, hardness about 2 to 12 dGH (FishBase lists up to 25 dH). A sandy floor with some plants and cover suits it.32
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Foraging omnivore. Sinking dried foods plus small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, rather than leftovers alone.3
Company who they like around
Keep at least four to six together; larger groups are better.3
The story where it all began
Elwin described this fish in 1938. Its name arcuatus refers to the arched stripe. Studies in 2019 showed that a very similar fish, now Hoplisoma granti, had long been mixed up with it, and the species itself now sits in the genus Brochis.31
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Most skunk corys in the aquarium trade are actually the look-alike Hoplisoma granti; the two were only properly separated in 2019.1
- 2
Its striking pattern is shared with several other corys in the same region, a form of mimicry among well-defended fish.1
- 3
In the wild it lives alongside Corydoras narcissus, which has a similar stripe.2
- 4
Hobbyists also know it by its C-number trade code, C020.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 8 October 2020)2
- Taxonomy
- Moved from Corydoras to Brochis; its separation from the look-alike Hoplisoma granti was only fully clarified in 2019, and many fish sold as skunk corys are that species1
- Family
- Callichthyidae (armoured catfishes), subfamily Corydoradinae1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Skunk 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Skunk Corydoras?
Feed your Skunk Corydoras small amounts once or twice daily. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. Use sinking dried foods and small live or frozen foods like bloodworm.3 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Skunk Corydoras eat, and what should it never eat?
It eats sinking dried foods and small live or frozen foods such as bloodworm. For foods it should never eat, it varies; ask a vet for a complete list of unsafe items.3
How much space does a Skunk Corydoras need?
The space needed depends on the size of your group, as they should be kept in groups of at least four to six. Consult a good breeder for a suitable tank size.3
What temperature, light or water does a Skunk Corydoras need?
Keep water temperature between 20 and 28 C, pH around 5.0 to 8.0, and hardness 2 to 12 dGH. Provide a sandy floor with plants and cover. Lighting needs vary; ask a good breeder.32
How often should I clean a Skunk Corydoras's home?
Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly 25% water change, weekly glass cleaning, and a monthly filter rinse in old tank water. This keeps the home clean. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Skunk Corydoras live with others?
Yes, Skunk Corydoras are peaceful and sociable. Keep them in groups of at least four to six with other gentle fish for best happiness.3
How long does a Skunk Corydoras live?
Lifespan varies; ask a vet or good breeder for an estimate based on your care.
Can I handle a Skunk Corydoras?
You can handle a Skunk Corydoras very carefully due to its stiff fin spines. It is best to avoid unnecessary handling and use a soft net if needed.3
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.
- Wikipedia: Brochis arcuata en.wikipedia.orgused for taxonomy, distribution, confusion with H. granti, mimicry
- FishBase: Brochis arcuatus fishbase.seused for valid name, length, water parameters, IUCN status
- Seriously Fish: Corydoras arcuatus seriouslyfish.comused for care, size, colour, behaviour, trade code
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.