Threestripe corydoras, also known as Leopard Catfish, Three Line Catfish, or False Julii Cory, is a small tropical fish from South America.
It’s found in the central Amazon River basin in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Suriname.
Its diet includes worms, small crustaceans, insects, and plants.
For aquarium keeping, it’s recommended to keep these fish in groups of 5 or more, with a minimum aquarium size of 60 cm (24 inches).
Threestripe Corydoras Interesting Facts
- Threestripe corydoras, also known as Threeline Catfish or False Julii Cory, is a tropical freshwater fish that grows up to 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) in length.
- They come from South America and can be found in the Amazon River basin in Brazil and Colombia, Peruvian Amazon, and coastal rivers in Suriname.
- Threestripe corydoras prefer living in water with a pH of 6.0 to 8.0, hardness of 5 to 19 dGH, and temperature range between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
- They thrive in a group of at least five when kept in an aquarium with a minimum size of about two feet long.
- The female threestripe corydoras lays sticky eggs among dense vegetation. The male fish fertilizes the eggs for about 30 seconds before they are attached to a suitable spot by the female.
- This fish is often sold commercially under the wrong name Julii corydoras. However, it has noticeable stripes on its body that distinguishes it from Julii corydoras.
Threestripe Corydoras Habitat
Threestripe corydoras is found in South America, specifically in the central Amazon River basin, Peruvian Amazon, and coastal rivers of Suriname.
This fish lives in freshwater environments near the bottom of the water.
Being tropical fish, it thrives in water with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, water hardness (dGH) range of 5 to 19, and a temperature range of 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C).
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dGH |
Threestripe Corydoras Physical Characteristics
Size: 2.4 inches (6.1 centimeters)
Threestripe corydoras can grow up to 6.1 centimeters (2.4 inches) in length.
This is popular in the aquarium trade industry but is often mistakenly sold as Julii corydoras.
The main difference between the two species is their markings.
Threestripe corydoras has a reticulated pattern, while Julii corydoras has leopard spots.
The best way to tell them apart is by looking at the stripes on their sides.
Threestripe corydoras has more pronounced and solid stripes.
Threestripe Corydoras Reproduction
During the breeding process, the female threestripe corydoras holds 2 to 4 eggs between her lower fins.
The male then fertilizes these eggs for around 30 seconds.
After that, the female swims to a safe location and sticks the eggs onto a surface.
They continue this process until they have fertilized and attached about 100 eggs.
They usually spawn, or lay eggs, in groups with other threestripe corydoras.
Threestripe Corydoras Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Callichthyidae |
| Genus: | Corydoras |
| Scientific Name: | Corydoras trilineatus |
| Also Known As: | Threestripe Corydoras, Leopard Catfish, Three Line Catfish, False Julii Cory |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |