Corydoras trilineatus was discovered by Cope in 1872. It has pale silvery grey color with a narrow leopard-like spots throughout the body including the caudal fin. It belongs to the family Callichthyidae under Order Siluriformes of Class Actinopterygii. Leopard corys is pretty typical corydoras catfish. They prefer to live in schools and readily adapt to aquarium life. They like to scavenge in the aquarium, eating excess food and help to keep the aquarium clean and do improve water quality. These traits make them suitable aquarium fish for aquarium hobbyists and seasoned fish keepers.
Leopard catfish is a very peaceful fish which is suitable for community tanks. It requires 10 gallons aquarium but larger is recommended. The leopard catfish should be kept in schools with a half dozen or more but should not be kept with large or aggressive species. They do well with small to medium sizes fish such as Danios, Dwarf Cichlids, Gouramis, Rasboras, Tetras, and other small peaceful catfish species. A tank should have soft substrate such as sand, Driftwood, plants with plenty of hiding places and some open areas for swimming. Avoid substrate with sharp or jagged edges that can irritate and damage their underside and barbels. A fine or sandy substrates are best. They prefer soft to moderately hard water with an acidic to neutral pH (5.8-7.2). Dim lighting also needs which completes the habitat nicely. 10-20% water should be changed a weekly or bi-weekly.
The Three Lined Cory is an omnivorous fish and in wild its food consists of insects, inverts, worms and plant matter. In captive condition it accepts live aquatic insects, white worms, Tubifex, Brine Shrimp, insect larvae, tablets, flake foods, algae wafers, cory pellets, shrimp pellets, benthic crustaceans, most types of worms including earthworms, most plant and vegetable matter. Sinking pellets and frozen bloodworm are also ideal for this species that reach the bottom of the tank. Feed should be offered 2-3 times a day.
Three Striped Corys are relatively easy to breed. Breeding tank should have spawning mop or fine leaved plant such as Java Moss. The breeding tank should also have very fine smooth gravel or sand for substrate. A bare bottom is also suitable. Tank water should be soft with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5 to 7.0) while temperature should be approximately 75°F. Use air-powered sponge or box-type filtration or the water should be filtered through peat. Before spawning, condition the breeder groups with live foods such as bloodworms or Daphnia. Female lays up to 700 eggs in dense vegetation and adults do not guard the eggs. After spawning, parents should be removed from the breeding tank to prevent eating the eggs or fry. Eggs hatch in three to five days. Fry should be fed with freshly hatched brine shrimp, micro-worms or rotifers. Very fine fry food is also an option.
It is easily make sexual difference when it is viewed from above. Females have noticeably rounder and broader-body than males. They are often also slightly larger than male. Males typically have more pointed or more rounded fin tips as they mature.
Leopard catfish is a beautiful fish with an interestingly patterned body. Their appearance along with their peaceful disposition and lively character make them a favorite among aquarium hobbyist. It is one of the most peaceful and entertaining scavengers for a freshwater aquarium and can thrive in a wide range of water conditions. For these reason, they are perfect for keeping the substrate clean in a smaller freshwater community aquarium. It has lots of commercial importance in the aquarium trade industry. To buy your cory, look below online vendor that I would recommend from.