Care
The Leopard Cory is a small, peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish that is ideal for mature, softwater community aquaria. Gregarious by nature, Leopard Corydoras should be kept in groups of 5 or more; this will not only create a beautiful display, but it will give these sociable, shoaling fish much more confidence to venture out into the open. Provide a soft sand substrate in order to protect the delicate sensory barbels. Regular maintenance, including frequent partial water changes, should be carried out in order to keep these fish in good condition. Provide some shady retreats amongst bogwood and areas of dense planting, and keep only with small, peaceable tankmates, such as some of the smaller sized characins/cyprinids/anabantoids or dwarf cichlids. Corydoras have the ability to breathe air intestinally, so a small gap should be left between the surface of the water and the cover slides in order for the fish to come up to the surface and take air in. It may do this numerous times per day. This catfish is similar in appearance to the False Julii Cory (C. trilineatus). However, C. leopardus grows larger and has a longer snout. Confusion with the undescribed Peruvian C. sp. (C102) is far more likely, with location being the best way to separate young fishes.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/granules/tablets, flake, and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
There are currently no reports of this species having been bred in the home aquarium. However, it is likely to spawn in the typical Corydoras manner whereby following a large, slightly cool water change, a pair will adopt the classic ‘T position’ with the male fertilising the eggs that are held between the females’ pelvic fins.
