© Frank M Greco / CC BY 3.0Bandit Corydoras
Corydoras metae, known as the Bandit Corydoras, is a small catfish instantly recognizable by the black mask across its eyes and the dark diagonal band running from its back to its tail, which splits into two branches near the caudal peduncle. Native to the upper Rio Negro and Rio Meta systems, it thrives in soft, slightly acidic water, making it best suited to keepers comfortable managing water chemistry. Its active bottom-foraging behavior and tendency to school with tankmates make it a charming addition for those who enjoy typical corydoras character.
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Apply as a breederBandit Corydoras key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Size
- About 5cm
- Temperature
- 20〜26℃
- Diet
- Sinking dried foods, frozen bloodworm, Tubifex
- Tank
- An 80 x 30cm base, about 72 litres, is the guide. Use fine rounded sand with wood and leaf litter for cover, and never block access to the water surface.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 20-26C, pH 4.0-7.0, 1-5dGH; soft, acidic water is preferred. FishBase records 22-26C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 2-25dH in the wild.
- Tank Mates
- Peaceful and gregarious; keep at least four to six. Pair it with fishes of similar water requirements, such as soft-water characins.
- Diet & Feeding
- A foraging omnivore. Offer sinking dried food plus frozen bloodworm and Tubifex. It must never be expected to live on leftovers or to clean the tank.
- Breeding & Spawning
- Use two males per female. Once females are gravid, make a 50-70 percent water change with cooler water and raise oxygenation and flow. Eggs are laid on glass, fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
- Health & Notes
- Assessed Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. Several congeners share the oblique bar, and it is most easily confused with Hoplisoma davidsandsi.
About Bandit Corydoras
A small corydoras with a black eye mask and diagonal dark band, preferring soft, slightly acidic water. Best suited to intermediate keepers.
7 things to know before welcoming a Bandit Corydoras
1Prepare soft, slightly acidic water
In its native upper Rio Negro and Rio Meta systems, the water is soft and slightly acidic. Stabilizing your tank's water chemistry before introduction helps reduce stress. Check pH and hardness beforehand.
2Suited to intermediate keepers
The Bandit Corydoras is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Some prior experience with freshwater fish care, including attentiveness to water quality changes, will help you keep them comfortably.
3A small species around 5cm
Adults typically reach around 5cm, keeping this a compact corydoras species. It doesn't require an oversized tank and adapts well to being kept in small groups.
4Calmer when kept in groups
Like other corydoras, this species is naturally social and tends to settle in better when kept with companions rather than alone. Consider housing it with others of the same species or compatible corydoras.
5Choose a soft substrate
Because it forages along the bottom using its barbels to search for food, sharp gravel can injure its mouth and barbels. A fine, rounded sand substrate is a safer choice.
6Enjoy individual variation in markings
The black eye mask and the diagonal band splitting into two near the tail are this species' signature traits. Subtle differences in shade and shape between individuals add to the enjoyment of observing them.
7Pair with peaceful tankmates
The Bandit Corydoras itself is peaceful, and pairing it with other calm, small-bodied fish helps maintain a balanced community tank. Check compatibility before adding new tankmates.
Frequently asked questions about Bandit Corydoras
- Q.Is the Bandit Corydoras subject to CITES?
- A.The Bandit Corydoras is not subject to CITES. It is not listed as a regulated species for international trade.
- Q.Can beginners keep this fish?
- A.It is generally categorized as suitable for intermediate keepers. Some basic experience with water quality management will help you care for it confidently.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.It grows to around 5cm as an adult, making it a small corydoras species that doesn't require an oversized tank.
- Q.Is it okay to keep just one?
- A.Since corydoras are naturally social, they tend to settle in better when kept in groups. If possible, it's recommended to keep several individuals of the same species together.
- Q.How should water quality be managed?
- A.Following its native habitat in the upper Rio Negro and Rio Meta systems, maintaining soft, slightly acidic water is considered ideal. Check pH and hardness before introduction.
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