False Bandit Cory

Corydoras melini, the false bandit cory, is a small armored catfish from the Rio Negro and upper Rio Meta drainages. It is easily recognized by a black mask through the eye and a second oblique dark band running diagonally from the dorsal fin down through the caudal peduncle, which separates it from the true bandit cory (C. metae). A peaceful, sociable species, it should be kept in groups of six or more over soft sand to protect its barbels. It suits soft-water community tanks with small tetras and dwarf cichlids. Provide soft, acidic water at pH 5.5-7.2 and 23-27C, gentle flow, shade, and pristine, low-nitrate conditions, ideally with tannin-stained blackwater. An omnivore, it accepts sinking granules, wafers, and small frozen or live foods such as bloodworms and daphnia.