January 21

Sarah Robertson

Care Guide for Corydoras Haraldschultzi (Mosaic Cory)

Corydoras Haraldschultzi is a South American species. It can reach up to 2.3 inches in length when fully grown. They can turn their eyes upside down, which appear to be blinking. These fish are air breathers who have a highly vascularized intestine that allows them to take in atmospheric oxygen. So will frequently go to the surface for a breath of air. The aquarium should have a lid and the tank should not be filled to the top due to its capacity for breathing air from the atmosphere. A sandy substrate, plants, and hiding places are essential for a mosaic Cory tank. They can be maintained in a community aquarium and should be kept in schools.

Mosaic Cory is a peaceful bottom-dweller that sift through the substrate in search of food. They are mostly nocturnal and will hide during the day. Corys should be fed a variety of live, frozen, pallet food and sinking foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and tubifex. They have hardened pectoral-fin spines that can pierce human skin and a sting may be excruciating, so handle with care. At the base of each spine, axillary glands secrete a toxic or venomous substance. So use gloves when handling these fish.

To know more about Corydoras Haraldschultzi, read on.

Quick Facts about Corydoras Haraldschultzi

  • Scientific name: Corydoras Haraldschultzi
  • Common Name of Corydoras Haraldschultzi: Mosaic corydoras
  • Family: Callichthyidae
  • Distribution: Bolivia and Brazil, South America
  • Usual size in fish tanks: 59mm or 2.3 inches (5.8cm)
  • Lifespan: 15-25 years
  • Minimum Tank Size: 114 Litres (30 Gallons)
  • Recommended Temperature: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)
  • pH range: 5.5-7.5, Acidic water
  • Water hardness (dGH): 2 - 21°N (35.71 - 375ppm)
  • Lighting: No special requirements
  • Reproduction: Spawning
  • Compatibility: Community
  • Temperament to its own species: peaceful
  • Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
  • Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Care 

Mosaic Corydoras are ideal for mature soft water aquariums that house other peaceful fish. These fish, like all Corydoras catfish species, require a soft sand substrate to protect their sensory barbels and should be maintained in groups of 5 or more due to their shoaling tendencies. Some shady planted areas should be provided for Corydoras Haraldschultzi to hide in during daylight hours as they are mostly nocturnal.

For proper care, a Corydoras Haraldschultzi tank should have a capacity of 30 gallons or more. The aquarium water should be clean and well-filtered. Maintaining ideal water parameters is also essential for the health of Corydoras Haraldschultzi. Or else, they will succumb to diseases. Make sure that these fish are acclimated to your aquarium slowly before putting them in.

Mosaic Corydoras are omnivores, so they are relatively easy to care for in terms of diet. They should be fed a variety of live, sinking, and frozen foods. It is better not to keep Corydoras Haraldschultzi with very small fish as they might unintentionally be eaten. Other aggressive fish should also be avoided.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Size

Corydoras Haraldschultzi can grow up to 2.3 inches or 5.8 cm in length. Since they are small in size, they are ideal for small tanks. As they are schooling fish, they should be kept in groups of 5 or more. So a larger tank is better so that they have enough space to swim around and hide.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Lifespan

The lifespan of Corydoras Haraldschultzi is 15-25 years, provided they are given proper care and maintained in good water conditions.

Corydoras haraldschultzi

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Appearance

They appear to be like typical Corydoras. Mosaic Cory is armored catfish, not scaled, and has two rows of bony plates on each side. They also have a large plate over their head. They can be mistaken for Corydoras sterbai because they both have a spotted body and orange fins, although Haraldschultzi has a longer snout and C.Sterbai has a more rounded snout. Another major difference between these two species is that C. Haraldschultzi has dark spots on a light background, whereas C. sterbai has light spots on a dark backdrop.

C. Gossei is another orange-finned species, although it has no markings on the body and just a few on the caudal fin. So, if you see an orange-finned Cory with a spotted tail, it's more likely to be C. Haraldschultzi than any other species.

Sexual Dimorphism 

The difference between male and female Corydoras may be readily apparent after they've been conditioned. When viewed from the top, females will appear to be significantly wider due to their larger underbelly. Males are also significantly shorter than females.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Behavior 

Mosaic Corys are schooling fish, so they should be kept in groups of at least six. This will help to reduce their stress levels and make them feel more secure in their environment.

Like all Corydoras, Haraldschultzi is a peaceful bottom-dweller that gets along well with other tank mates. They are shy fish, so be sure to provide plenty of hiding places in your aquarium.

They frequently gulp air from the surface of the water. This is their normal behavior, so there's no need to worry. The fish may strike the hood if there isn't enough space between the water surface and the hood. So an aquarium with a tightly fitting lid is necessary to prevent them from jumping out.

This fish likes the company of its own kind. It is recommended to keep them in groups of the same species. The more you have, the safer they are and the more you will notice them. They are said to 'blink' their eyes in astonishment to the delight of spectators. The Cory has the ability to lower its eye to inspect the surrounding environment. The goldfish is an incredibly docile, peaceful, and simple fish to keep. However, it's a little-known secret that Corydoras fish have a barb with very sharp edges just beneath each eye, one in the adipose fin, and a huge one in the front of their dorsal fin. These barbs are used by the Cory to prevent being eaten by a fish with a larger body. As a result, if you're going to catch these fish with a net, be aware that the Cory may become trapped in the mesh of the net. Also, don't try to grab this fish with your hand!

Their barbs contain a poisonous gland that causes fish attempting to eat them to be stung. This induces the attacking fish to feel a lot of agony, similar to a jellyfish sting. The Mosaic Cory has a delicate sense of smell and Barbels on its whiskers enable it to detect food hidden in the sand.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Diet & Feeding 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi is an omnivore that will take sinking dried foods and smaller live and frozen kinds such as chironomid larvae (bloodworm), Tubifex, etc. The fish should be fed a diverse diet so that they are in their optimum condition.

They should never be expected to subsist on "leftovers" from other aquarium inhabitants or rely on them to clean the tank. These fish are known for eating almost anything that falls to the bottom of their tank, just like other Corydoras. Sinking algae pellets should be fed with flake food or other sinking foods like catfish pellet foods to maintain a healthy condition. These fish have a carnivorous side to them and enjoy foods such as Bloodworm and Brine Shrimp, so be cautious. Vegetable matter is low in nutritional value and provides little nourishment. They will also consume any dead, dying, or even injured fish that remain on the substrate for too long.

These fish are most active at night, so feeding them once before bedtime is usually sufficient. They may be persuaded to eat during the day, but they're not always ready to do so. Because they are slower eaters, allow them at least 30 minutes to consume their meal.

Corydoras haraldschultzi

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Tank Mates

Mosaic Cory is a very docile species of fish. They aren't aggressive towards other tank inhabitants on purpose, but their bumbling about the tank might be harmful to more delicate fish or other bottom dwellers. They're best maintained in groups of 5-6 or more.

Some of the best Corydoras Haraldschultzi tank mates are:

  • Tetras
  • Danios
  • Rasboras
  • Other bottom dwelling fish like loaches and plecos.

When selecting tank mates for your Corydoras Haraldschultzi, make sure to choose fish that are approximately the same size. They're not aggressive, but they are territorial and might nip at the fins of larger fish. Avoid keeping them with finicky eaters as well, since they might steal their food. Corydoras Haraldschultzi is known to be quite finicky eaters themselves and might not get enough to eat if they're competing with other fish for food.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Tank Setup 

Your Corydoras Haraldschultzi will do best in an aquarium that is at least 30 gallons in size. If you plan on keeping a group of them, you will need an even larger tank. They are bottom dwelling fish, so make sure to provide them with plenty of hiding places and a soft, sandy substrate. They prefer dimly lit tanks and plenty of vegetation.

Plants that are suitable for Corydoras Haraldschultzi tanks include:

  • Anacharis
  • Java Fern
  • Amazon Sword

Corydoras Haraldschultzi doesn't need much in the way of filtration, but a good quality canister filter is always recommended. Be sure to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated. A weekly water change of 20-25% should be sufficient.

A soft, sandy substrate is best for Corydoras Haraldschultzi. Or else, a smooth gravel substrate or pebble substrate can also work. Just avoid anything that is a too large or sharp substrate that could hurt their barbels.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Breeding 

They may be bred in the same manner as other Corydoras fish. If your fish are in a breeding tank, use at least two males to each female catfish. When the females are visibly full with eggs, perform a significant (50-70%) water change using colder water and greater oxygenation and flow in the aquarium. Repeat this method every day until the fish spawn. The Corydoras pair takes up the well-known "T position," in which the male fertilizes the eggs that are held between the female's pelvic fins.

The semi-adhesive eggs will then be deposited onto plants, décor, or the sides of the aquarium, etc and the process repeated. Adults or eggs should be removed as soon as spawning is completed. The eggs can sometimes be rolled gently up the glass using a finger. The new container should be filled with water just like the spawning tank and must be adequately oxygenated. Many fishkeepers transfer the parents to another aquarium after all of the eggs have been laid in order to avoid predation and improve the survival rate.

Some breeders add a few drops of methylene blue, an alder cone, or two at this stage to prevent fungus from developing in the eggs.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Fry 

The eggs may take 5-6 days to hatch. Once the fry has completely absorbed their yolk sacs they can accept tiny live food items such as microworm, Artemia nauplii, etc. However, they are much more susceptible to illnesses if maintained over a thin layer of sand rather than in a bare arrangement. The fry can take finely-powdered first foods and just hatched brine shrimp once they are free-swimming.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi Diseases 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi is relatively hardy and resistant to disease. However, they can be susceptible to the same diseases that affect other freshwater fish. These diseases include:

Ich 

Ich is a parasitic disease that manifests as white spots on the fish. It is caused by poor water quality and can be treated with copper sulfate or malachite green.

Fin Rot 

Fin rot is a bacterial infection that causes the fins to disintegrate. It is usually caused by poor water conditions and can be treated with antibiotics.

Red Blotch Disease 

Blotch is a viral illness that causes bloody sores to appear on a fish's skin. The abdomen is the typical location for these red rashes. The sores might be clean or may have the dead skin on them. Before dying, some fish will display symptoms for weeks or even months. If you detect this sickness early, you may treat the fish. If you detect it late, the fish is likely to die.

Gill Flukes 

Gill flukes are parasitic flatworms that attach themselves to the gills of fish. They cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to respiratory distress. Treatment is difficult but can be done with copper sulfate or formalin.

Popeye Disease 

Popeye disease is caused by a bacterial infection. It manifests as bulging eyes and can be treated with antibiotics.

Dropsy 

Dropsy is a symptom of several different diseases. The fish's abdomen swells with fluid and the scales stand out from the body. The cause is often unknown, but it can be the result of an internal bacterial infection.

Nitrate poisoning 

Nitrates are a byproduct of fish waste and decomposing plants in an aquarium. If the nitrate levels get too high, it can cause problems for the fish. Nitrate poisoning manifests as lethargy, loss of appetite, and listlessness. It can be treated by doing a water change and adding live plants to the aquarium.

If you think your fish has any of these diseases, you should take them to a vet who specializes in treating fish. You can also seek advice from a fish store or an experienced fishkeeper. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to saving your fish's life.

Corydoras haraldschultz

FAQ 

How Big Do Corydoras Haraldschultzi Get? 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi can grow to be about 2.3 inches (6 cm) long.

How Long Do Corydoras Haraldschultzi Live? 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi has a lifespan of about 15-25 years depending on the conditions in which they are kept.

What Is the Natural Habitat of Corydoras Haraldschultzi? 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi comes from Bolivia and Brazil. They inhabit slow-moving waters with a soft substrate and plenty of plants.

What Do You Feed Corydoras Haraldschultzi?

Corydoras Haraldschultzi is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods. In the wild, they eat small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. In captivity, they can be fed live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods. They should also be given a high-quality pellet or flake food as well.

Can I Have 2 Corydoras Haraldschultzi in the Same Tank? 

Yes, you can have 2 Corydoras Haraldschultzi in the same tank. They are peaceful fish and get along with the same species of catfishes as well as other peaceful fish.

Do Corydoras Haraldschultzi Need a Filter? 

Yes, Corydoras Haraldschultzi needs a filter in their tank. A filter will help to keep the water clean and provide them with a good place to hide.

Do Corydoras Haraldschultzi Need to Be in Groups? 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi is social fish and does best in groups of 5 or more. They will interact with each other and their tank mates. Keeping them in groups also helps to reduce their stress levels.

How Fast Do Corydoras Haraldschultzi Grow?

Corydoras Haraldschultzi grows relatively fast. They can reach their full size in about 6-12 months.

What Temperature Do Corydoras Haraldschultzi Like? 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi prefers a temperature of 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit (24-27 degrees Celsius).

How Often Should I Feed Corydoras Haraldschultzi? 

You should feed Corydoras Haraldschultzi 2-3 times a day. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat when they can. Overfeeding can lead to them becoming obese, so it is important to only give them as much food as they can eat in one sitting.

How Do I Know If Corydoras Haraldschultzi Are Happy? 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi is happy when they are active and eating well. They should also have a good amount of hiding places in their tank. If they are stressed, they may exhibit signs of illness such as listlessness and loss of appetite.

Final Thoughts 

Corydoras Haraldschultzi is a peaceful and hardy fish that make a great addition to any aquarium. They are relatively easy to care for and are very tolerant of different water conditions. Corydoras Haraldschultzi is also known to be good tank mates for other fish, provided that they are approximately the same size. If you are looking for a bottom dwelling fish that is both beautiful and easy to care for, the Corydoras Haraldschultzi is a great choice!

They require a sandy substrate with plenty of hiding places and a soft, squishy surface. They prefer dimly lit tanks with a lot of vegetation. Corydoras Haraldschultzi do not require a lot of filtration, but it is always a good idea to use a high-quality canister filter. Make sure the water is clean and well-oxygenated. Since they are susceptible to ammonia and nitrites, do a weekly water change of 20-25%.

Corydoras Haraldschultzi are easy to breed in captivity. So even if you are a beginner aquarist, you can still try your hand at breeding these fish! Just make sure to use at least two males for each female and that tank the is well-oxygenated. If you have a tank with minimum 30 gallons, go for it! Corydoras Haraldschultzi are a great addition to any aquarium and are sure to bring you years of enjoyment. Thanks for reading and we hope this care guide was helpful.

Sarah Robertson


I am a passionate blogger who also happens to be a fish keeping enthusiast. Writing about my hobby is something that I absolutely love to do, and it's no secret that my chosen topic is always centered around fish keeping.

Sarah Robertson

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