Decker Cory Medium Corydoras Axelrodi

🌿 Corydoras axelrodi – Decker Cory (Medium) Care Guide

Corydoras axelrodi, commonly referred to as the Decker Cory, is a medium-sized Corydoras species native to the upper Rio Negro region in Brazil. Named after famed aquarist Herbert R. Axelrod, this species is appreciated for its calm behavior, distinctive dark horizontal stripe, and metallic sheen that flashes beautifully under aquarium lighting. It’s a hardy species, well-suited for peaceful community tanks and perfect for intermediate hobbyists looking to expand their Cory collection.

🐟 Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras axelrodi

• Common Name: Decker Cory, Axelrod’s Corydoras

• Origin: Upper Rio Negro Basin, Brazil

• Adult Size: 2.2–2.5 inches (5.5–6.5 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Swimming Zone: Bottom to mid-bottom

• Activity Level: Active when kept in groups

🏡 Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Tank Shape: Long tanks preferred for group swimming

• Substrate: Fine sand or rounded gravel to protect delicate barbels

• Décor:

  • Driftwood, smooth stones, and shaded areas

  • Leaf litter or floating plants for cover and dim lighting

• Lighting: Low to moderate

• Water Movement: Gentle to moderate

• Filtration: Sponge filters or low-flow internal/external filters work well

💡 This species benefits from a well-established, low-light environment that mimics its native blackwater habitat.

💧 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)

• pH Range: 5.8–7.2

• Hardness: Soft to moderately soft (2–10 dGH)

• TDS: 80–180 ppm

• Water Changes: 30–40% weekly for consistent water quality

🧪 Soft, clean water with low nitrates is essential for barbel health and vibrant coloration.

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Corydoras axelrodi are omnivorous micro-foragers that require a well-rounded diet.

• Staple Foods:

  • Sinking micro pellets

  • Bottom feeder wafers

• Protein Options:

  • Frozen or live bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms

• Vegetables (optional):

  • Blanched zucchini, spinach, or spirulina wafers

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily; feed what they can consume in 2–3 minutes

⚠️ Be sure food reaches the bottom—Corydoras are often outcompeted by faster top-level feeders.

🤝 Compatibility & Tankmates

• Ideal Tankmates:

  • Tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, Apistogramma, small peaceful barbs

  • Other Corydoras and dwarf catfish

• Avoid:

  • Aggressive or large predatory fish

  • Boisterous species that stir up substrate excessively

💡 Keep Corydoras axelrodi in groups of at least 6–8 to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior.

🐣 Breeding Information

Breeding Corydoras axelrodi is possible in home aquariums with the right setup and environmental triggers.

• Spawning Type: Egg-layer

• Breeding Setup: Separate tank with soft, acidic water and smooth surfaces

• Triggers:

  • Cool water changes

  • High-protein feeding

• Egg Care:

  • Remove parents post-spawn or relocate eggs to avoid predation

  • Use methylene blue if needed to prevent fungus

• Fry Feeding:

  • Begin with infusoria or liquid fry food

  • Introduce baby brine shrimp after a few days

📌 Fry grow slowly at first and require pristine water with gentle filtration.

📝 Quick Reference Summary

🔧 Expert Tips

• Use dark substrate and subdued lighting to bring out their natural colors

• Keep floating plants to replicate soft lighting conditions from their native rivers

• Avoid copper-based medications, which are harmful to Corydoras and other scaleless fish

• Always quarantine new fish—Corydoras can be vulnerable to external parasites in poor conditions