The Albino Cory Catfish is a unique bottom feeder. They’re easy to care for and are a great addition to any tank setup due to their lovely color. Keep reading to learn more about the Albino Cory Catfish.
Pet Simplified uses affiliate links within our articles and pages. Purchases from these links earn us a small commission at no extra cost. It helps support the website. You can learn more about it on our Privacy Policy Page.
| Albino Cory Catfish Species Overview | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Corydoras Aeneas |
| Size | 2.5 - 3 inches |
| Color | White, Faded Pin |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Lifespan | 5 to 8 years |
| Environment | Freshwater |
| Tank Region | Bottom |
| Care Level | Beginner |
Where Does The Albino Cory Catfish Come From?
Albino Cory Catfish are native to South America. These fish are often found in the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers. However, they can often be found in many rivers, lakes, and ponds.
While you may see this fish out in the wild, you may not see this particular color.
The Albino fish is white, and this coloring is due to selective breeding. This fish species is closely related to the Peppered Cory Catfish (Corydoras Paleatus), which is native to Brazil.
Albino Corys came to be when selective breeding of Peppered Corys and Bronze Corydoras occurred for the aquarium trade.
To get the coloring right, sometimes, these fish are in-bred. Unfortunately, this brings on health issues for the fish. For example, Albino Cory Catfish are blind, and their fry develops slowly.
However, these catfish make an excellent addition to any freshwater aquarium.
Albino Cory Catfish Appearance
This fish is known for being white or faint pink. In addition, they have reddish eyes that are most often blind due to their albino coloring.
Their body is armored, not scaled. This body type gave them the nickname “Armored Catfish.”
Albino Corys have barbels on eat side of their mouth to help them search for food along the tank floor.
While this fish isn’t venomous, they have barbs on their fins that produce a mild poison. This is used to ward off predators. Of course, the poison will harm the other fish, but since Albinos are typically peaceful, it’s not often used.
The dorsal and pectoral fins have rigid spines that can produce a clicking sound. This is often used to ward off predators during mating.
Overall, this catfish can grow to be between 2.3 and 2.8 inches long. Females are usually larger than males, growing to be about 2.8 inches. On the other hand, most males grow to be about 2.3 inches.
However, this fish has been known to grow up to three inches in some cases.
Albino Cory Catfish Care
Albino Cory Catfish are easy to care for. They’re an excellent choice for beginner fishkeepers and hardy fish to boot. Once you know their needs, caring for them is a cinch.
Albino Cory Catfish Behavior
Albino Corys are peaceful fish that thrive in a like-minded community. They’ll do well with smaller peaceful fish.
This catfish will not do well in the company of semi-aggressive or aggressive fish.
Most catfish are nocturnal, but the Albino Aeneas Cory is diurnal. As a result, they’re relatively active, always on the hunt for food during the day.
You’ll see them at the bottom of the tank, often going toward the surface for a bit of air. This behavior is normal, but if you see yourself gasping for air at the top, it could indicate something wrong, or there isn’t enough oxygen in the tank.
Finally, Albino Corys are shoaling, or schooling, fish. For them to thrive, you’ll need at least three. However, a school of six or more is ideal for the fish to be happy and truly live well.
Tank Setup
Setting up your aquarium for your catfish is easier than it sounds once you know how to care for them properly. The chart below will tell you everything you need to know.
| Albino Cory Catfish Aquarium Setup | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Aquarium Size | 20 gallons (for one fish) |
| Temperature | 72°F to 80°F |
| Lighting | Normal |
| Substrate | Fine gravel, sand |
| Decor | Rocks, hiding spots, plants |
| Water Flow | Low to medium |
| pH Range | 6 to 8 |
| Water Hardiness | 2 to 20 dGH |
| Brackish | No |
The minimum tank size for this fish species is about 20 gallons. However, they can grow up to three inches long and need a school of fish of at least three (but six is better).
So, to give all those fish ample space and room to grow, a tank of at least 30 gallons or more is ideal.
The substrate should be fine gravel or sand. This flooring allows your Albino catfish to rummage through the ground and scour for food.
However, if not cleaned regularly, your fish can get sick. Therefore, a comprehensive filtration system changes about 10% of the water weekly.
The temperature of the water should be between 72° and 80°F. Include an aquarium heater within your tank setup to maintain a suitable water temperature.
In addition, routinely test your water about once a week or every two weeks. The pH levels for Albino Cory Catfish should be between six and eight.
Finally, the tank should have ample decor. Rocks produce algae, which is a great food source for your catfish. They’ll also need plenty of places to hide when feeling shy.
Feeding
Since these fish are omnivores, they can eat a varied diet. They’ll do well with flake food or sinking pellets. Algae wafers can be offered occasionally, as well.
In addition, they can also eat the following foods on occasion:
- Live food (fish, shrimp, or worms)
- Vegetables
- Meat
Albino Cory Catfish should be fed at least once a day. In addition, they should only have enough food to consume within five minutes.
If you want to spread out the feedings, you can feed them twice daily. Each meal should contain enough food to eat within two minutes.
Health And Aquarium Care
With proper care, Albino Cory Catfish have an average lifespan of about five to eight years.
One of the best ways to ensure your catfish remain healthy and happy is to create a healthy environment.
Aquarium care is essential for all fish. For ample health, change the water regularly.
10% of the water should be changed at least once a week. When the tank gets dirtier, you can change about 25% of the water every other week.
Whenever you change the water, siphon the gravel using a gravel vacuum. Vacuuming will siphon out any uneaten food, fish waste, and more.
It’ll keep the flooring clean, so your catfish’s barbels will remain healthy. But, their barbels can get infected if the floor is dirty.
You’ll notice your fish swimming to the surface to get air. If they do this a lot, it could indicate that the tank doesn’t have enough oxygen. An under gravel filter or a sponge filter will help solve this problem.
Albino Cory Catfish Breeding
Breeding isn’t necessary unless you have the space in your aquarium and know this fish species inside and out.
However, sometimes breeding happens naturally among the fish inside your tank.
Females are typically larger, but males have longer dorsal fins and pectoral fins.
When both are ready to mate, the female will clean off a rock or even a part of the glass to have a decent spot to lay her eggs. Then, the male will pursue the female.
The mating of these fish typically lasts about an hour. Females can lay anywhere between 250 and 400 eggs at a time.
Albino Cory Catfish will eat their fry, so you’ll need to separate the fry from the parents upon hatching. Fry will hatch about four to six days after the eggs are laid.
Question Corner: FAQs About The Albino Cory Catfish
If you want to learn more about the Albino Cory Catfish, then read through the frequently asked questions answered below.
Where Can You Get An Albino Cory Catfish?
You should get this fish at your local pet store or any store selling live fish. However, they may be hard to come by due to their unique coloring.
What’s The Average Cost Of The Albino Cory Catfish?
You can expect the average Albino Cory Catfish to be between $3 and $6. However, the price may increase depending on where you get the fish and how it was bred.
Are Albino Cory Catfish Hardy Fish?
Yes, this catfish is resilient and easy to care for. Once the tank is established and you know how to care for this fish, they’ll take care of the rest.
Are Albino Cory Catfish Good For Beginners?
Absolutely. Albino Cory Catfish are hardy and low-maintenance when it comes to caring. So, they’re an excellent choice for beginner fish keepers.
Are Albino Cory Catfish Freshwater Or Saltwater Fish?
This catfish is a freshwater fish native to rivers, lakes, and ponds. They cannot tolerate having salt in their environment. Otherwise, they could get sick and die. So, only place these fish in freshwater setups.
Are Albino Cory Catfish Rare?
Yes, this fish is rare. The coloring (the Albino in their name) is from selective breeding. Therefore, you won’t find this particular fish in the wild. However, you may see them in your local pet store on occasion.
Do Albino Cory Catfish Clean The Tank?
If you need extra help keeping the tank’s floor clean, then Albino Cory Catfish will do just that. They’ll scour the bottom, eating leftover food, waste, and algae.
How Many Should Albino Cory Catfish Be Kept Together?
Since this species is a schooling fish, you should have fewer than three Albino Catfish at once. However, for them to truly thrive and be happy, having a school of six is ideal.
Should You Add An Albino Cory Catfish To Your Tank?
There’s a lot to love about this catfish. If you have a large aquarium and want some bottom feeders, then an Albino Cory Catfish is an excellent choice.
Rachel Poli is a content writer and author, but her real job is being a stay-at-home pet mom. Her zoo currently consists of a dog, a cat, two turtles, and two fish tanks. She’s also an avid pet sitter for a few local families, caring for various animals.
After realizing how little information there is for pet sitters on the internet, Rachel decided to start her own animal website. She strives to educate pet parents and pet sitters about the overall care of our furry friends.