Corydoras Bifasciatus Two-stripe Corydoras

⚪⚫ Corydoras bifasciatus – Two-Stripe Cory Care Guide

Corydoras bifasciatus, commonly called the Two-Stripe Cory, is a peaceful and social freshwater catfish native to the Amazon Basin in Brazil. This small, active bottom-dweller is admired for its sleek silver body and the two distinct horizontal black bands—one across the eye and another along the body. Like all Corydoras, it thrives in clean, soft water and does best in schools.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras bifasciatus

• Common Name: Two-Stripe Cory

• Origin: Amazon River Basin, Brazil

• Size: 1.8–2.2 inches (4.5–5.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

• Temperament: Very peaceful and social

• Swimming Level: Bottom to mid-bottom

• Group Behavior: Schooling; keep in groups of 6 or more

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (long-style preferred)

• Substrate: Fine sand is essential to protect barbels

• Decorations:

  • Driftwood, smooth stones, and hiding spots

  • Leaf litter and low-light plants like Java fern or Anubias

• Lighting: Low to moderate; avoid harsh overhead lighting

• Water Flow: Gentle current; avoid strong turbulence

• Filtration: Sponge or low-flow filtration is ideal for oxygenation without stressing them

💡 Corydoras bifasciatus loves soft substrate and shaded resting zones. A naturalistic setup enhances their behavior and appearance.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH Range: 6.0–7.2

• Hardness: 2–12 dGH

• TDS: 80–200 ppm

• Water Changes: 25–40% weekly to maintain pristine conditions

🧪 Good water quality is critical—Corydoras are particularly sensitive to poor substrate hygiene and ammonia spikes.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Two-Stripe Corydoras are omnivorous scavengers, but they should not be limited to leftover food alone. Offer a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking micro-pellets and bottom feeder wafers

• Protein Sources:

  • Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia

• Vegetables (occasional):

  • Blanched peas or spirulina-based pellets

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, ensuring food reaches the bottom

⚠️ Target feeding is important in community tanks to ensure they aren’t outcompeted.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Great Tankmates:

  • Small peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, pencilfish

  • Dwarf cichlids (e.g., Apistogramma), Otocinclus, and other Corydoras

• Avoid:

  • Large or aggressive fish

  • Fast surface feeders that dominate feeding times

💡 Corydoras bifasciatus is happiest in groups of 6 or more. Keeping them in small numbers can lead to stress and shyness.

🐣 Breeding Notes

Breeding Corydoras bifasciatus is possible in captivity under the right conditions.

• Spawning Type: Egg-scatterer

• Spawning Setup: Bare-bottom or fine-sand tank with soft, acidic water

• Spawning Triggers:

  • Large cool water changes

  • Frequent feeding with high-protein foods

• Egg Management: Remove adults after spawning or move eggs to protect them from being eaten

• Fry Care:

  • Feed infusoria or commercial fry food, transitioning to baby brine shrimp after hatching

  • Maintain exceptional water quality

📝 Care Summary

🔧 Pro Tips

• Use floating plants to reduce light intensity and encourage foraging behavior

• Siphon substrate regularly to prevent buildup of waste in low-flow zones

• Monitor water chemistry closely—Corydoras thrive in clean, low-nitrate tanks

• Offer caves and shaded areas for resting and stress reduction