Three-lined cory (false julii)

The three-lined cory is a popular, hardy catfish from the upper Amazon of Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, very commonly sold as the false julii because its reticulated head pattern and dark lateral line closely resemble the true Corydoras julii. On this species the head markings form a network of fine lines rather than separate spots, and a bold black stripe runs along the midline. It is a peaceful, sociable bottom-dweller best kept in groups of six or more over soft sand with driftwood and gentle shade. It thrives in warm water of 22-26 C with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and soft to moderately hard chemistry. It mixes readily with tetras, rasboras, dwarf cichlids and other corys. Feed a varied omnivorous diet of sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, Daphnia and occasional vegetable matter, and keep the substrate clean.