Pet Breed Guide NZ
Corydoras Catfish
The Corydoras Catfish, often affectionately called 'Corys', are charming, small freshwater fish originating from the rivers of South America. Known for their peaceful demeanour and industrious bottom-dwelling habits, these armoured catfish are a fantastic addition to many community aquariums. They are highly social, thriving in groups, and are fascinating to watch as they tirelessly sift through substrate for food. Their unique 'winking' behaviour, where they quickly dart their eyes, adds to their appeal. In New Zealand, Corydoras Catfish are generally legal to keep, making them a popular choice for Kiwi aquarists, though prospective owners should always confirm current MPI guidance and local council rules before purchasing.
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NZ Ownership Snapshot
Verified NZ Status- Noise Level
- quiet
- Social Needs
- groups
- Water Type
- freshwater
- Tank Size
- 40L minimum
- Diet Type
- Prepared aquarium food, frozen foods, and species-appropriate live or vegetable foods
- UVB Required
- No
Listed on Schedule 4 (Approved Species) of MPI's Import Health Standard: Ornamental Fish and Marine Invertebrates (ORNAMARI.ALL, 20 September 2021). Verified 4 September 2026. Source: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/17425-Ornamental-fish-and-marine-invertebrates-from-all-countries-Import-Health-Standard
Breed Snapshot
- Size
- small
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years
- Origin
- South America
- Care Focus
- Best researched for compatible tank mates, grouping, and stable water conditions.
- NZ Price
- NZD $8 - $30 per fish, depending on species and size. Groups of 6+ are recommended.
- Annual Vet Cost
- Estimated annual vet/care costs for Corydoras Catfish are relatively low, primarily focusing on preventative care. Direct veterinary costs are uncommon unless a serious issue arises, as specialised fish vets are extremely scarce in New Zealand. Owners should budget around NZD $50 - $150 annually for high-quality sinking pellets/wafers, frozen foods, water testing kits, water conditioners, and replacement filter media. Early detection of health issues and maintaining pristine water quality are the best preventative measures.
Personality Scores
NZ Lifestyle Fit
Corydoras Catfish are highly suitable for a wide range of New Zealand homes, from city apartments to suburban houses and even rural sections or bachs, provided a stable indoor environment can be maintained for their aquarium. Their small size and quiet nature make them ideal for spaces where noise or large pets are not feasible. Climate considerations are crucial for their freshwater tank; regardless of whether you're in Auckland's humid north or the colder South Island, a reliable aquarium heater is essential to maintain their tropical temperature requirements (22-26°C). There are no specific regional restrictions for Corydoras Catfish in NZ, but owners should always consult their local council for any specific bylaws regarding pet ownership. They are readily available from reputable pet shops and aquarium specialists throughout New Zealand, ensuring legal and ethical sourcing for Kiwi owners.
NZ legal status not yet verified against MPI, EPA, DOC and regional council records. Don't treat this page as confirmation that the species can legally be imported, bought, sold, bred or kept in New Zealand — check those official sources first.
About the Corydoras Catfish
Corydoras Catfish are a diverse genus of small, armoured catfish native to the freshwater systems of South America. With over 160 recognised species, they are a staple in the aquarium hobby due to their peaceful nature, hardiness, and engaging behaviour. These delightful fish typically live for 5-10 years when provided with optimal care, making them a long-term commitment for aquarists. They are primarily bottom dwellers, spending their days sifting through the substrate with their sensitive barbels in search of food. Their small size, generally ranging from 2.5 to 7.5 cm depending on the species, makes them suitable for a variety of tank sizes, though a minimum of 40 litres is recommended for a small group.
What They Look Like
Corydoras Catfish are easily recognisable by their distinctive armoured bodies, which are covered in overlapping bony plates rather than scales. Their colouration varies widely among species, ranging from silver, bronze, and black to intricate patterns of spots and stripes. Many species feature a darker stripe running along their lateral line or distinctive blotches. A key characteristic is their pair of sensitive barbels around their mouth, which they use to detect food in the substrate. Their eyes are relatively large and can move independently, giving them an almost 'winking' appearance when they quickly dart them around. They possess a small, triangular dorsal fin, pectoral fins, and a caudal fin that is typically forked.
Personality & Behaviour
Corydoras Catfish are renowned for their peaceful and social temperament. They are schooling fish and absolutely thrive when kept in groups of at least six or more of their own kind. A larger group not only makes them feel more secure but also allows their natural behaviours to be observed more readily. They are active during the day, constantly exploring the bottom of the tank, sifting through sand or fine gravel with their barbels. They are not aggressive towards other fish and are ideal tank mates for most small, peaceful community species. Their constant foraging helps keep the substrate clean, earning them the nickname 'aquarium clean-up crew', though they should never be relied upon as the sole means of tank maintenance.
Life in New Zealand
Corydoras Catfish are generally legal to keep as pets in New Zealand, making them a popular and accessible choice for Kiwi aquarists. They are commonly available through reputable pet stores and aquarium specialists across the country. While their legal status is generally clear, it is always prudent for prospective owners to check the latest MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) guidance and any specific local council bylaws before acquiring these fish. Ensuring a stable, heated freshwater environment is crucial, regardless of whether you're in the humid north of Auckland or the colder South Island, as they require consistent tropical temperatures. Responsible sourcing from established NZ suppliers helps ensure healthy, ethically bred fish.
Is This the Right Pet for You?
Corydoras Catfish are an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists looking for a peaceful, active, and low-maintenance community fish. Their social nature means you'll need to commit to keeping a group, which requires a tank of at least 40 litres. They are not demanding in terms of water parameters, provided the water is clean and stable, but they do require a soft substrate like sand to protect their delicate barbels. If you appreciate observing a bustling underwater community and are prepared to provide a well-maintained freshwater environment, Corydoras Catfish can bring years of quiet enjoyment to your home. They are a wonderful addition for families, offering an educational and calming presence without requiring direct interaction.
Fun Facts
Fact 1
Corydoras Catfish are often called 'armoured catfish' because their bodies are covered in overlapping bony plates instead of scales.
Fact 2
They use their sensitive barbels, located around their mouth, to detect food hidden in the substrate.
Fact 3
Corydoras exhibit a unique 'winking' behaviour, which is actually them quickly darting their eyes to clean them or to look around.
Fact 4
They are obligate schooling fish, meaning they thrive and feel most secure when kept in groups of six or more of their own species.
Fact 5
Some Corydoras species can 'breathe' air from the surface using a modified intestine, especially in oxygen-poor water.
Related Breeds
Betta Fish (Siamese Fighting Fish)
The Betta, or Siamese Fighting Fish, is a small, long-finned freshwater fish from the shallow rice paddies, canals and floodplains of Southeast Asia, usually kept alone because two males will not share a tank. The body reaches about 6-7 cm with the fins on top of that, and a labyrinth organ lets it breathe air at the surface, an adaptation to low-oxygen water that also makes it hardy in an aquarium. Males carry the long flowing fins and saturated reds, blues, greens and purples the species is known for, in forms such as veiltail, crowntail, halfmoon, plakat and doubletail; females are shorter-finned and quieter in colour. Males may also target other bright, long-finned fish, so tank mates need choosing with care. A single Betta needs at least 40 litres, a heater holding 24-27 degrees, gentle filtration, planting and a weekly water change. Typically living two to five years, it suits a keeper who wants one characterful fish rather than a crowded community tank.
Black Moor Goldfish
Black Moor Goldfish is a small fish originating from China. It is listed on Schedule 4 (approved species) of MPI’s Import Health Standard for ornamental fish, so it can be legally imported and sold through the NZ aquarium trade. MPI classes it as a higher-risk species with additional import quarantine conditions. Typical lifespan is 10-15 years.
Bristlenose Pleco
Bristlenose Pleco is a small fish originating from South America. It is listed on Schedule 4 (approved species) of MPI’s Import Health Standard for ornamental fish, so it can be legally imported and sold through the NZ aquarium trade. Typical lifespan is 12-15 years.
Cardinal Tetra
The Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) is a small, peaceful schooling fish from the blackwater tributaries of the Orinoco and Negro rivers, known for the iridescent stripe running the full length of its body, electric blue above and deep red below. It differs from the similar Neon Tetra in that the red band runs from snout to tail rather than stopping halfway. Adults reach about 5cm and live four to five years. Cardinals are shoaling fish that need groups of six or more to feel secure; kept in ones and twos they turn shy and their colour fades. They swim actively through the middle and upper levels of a well-planted tank, and prefer soft, slightly acidic water held between 23 and 27 degrees, with around 40 litres as a minimum for a small school. Subdued lighting, live plants and driftwood suit them. A sound choice for a calm community tank in a smaller space, provided conditions stay stable.