Adolf's Catfish (Corydoras adolfoi)

Family: Callichthyidae

Adolf's Catfish — a Callichthyidae from South AmericaSouth America, peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Reaches 4.9–7.3 cm; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. 21–25 °C.

Care parameters

Water temperature
21–25 °C
pH
6–8
GH hardness
2–25 dGH
Adult length
4.9–7.3 cm
Minimum tank
64 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful; most activity happens after dark
Origin
South America

Species overview

A Callichthyidae species native to South America: Corydoras adolfoi lives bottom-dwelling over sand. Peaceful; most activity happens after dark. Adults reach 4.9–7.3 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Corydoras species we profile, alongside Corydoras aeneus, Corydoras paleatus, Corydoras panda.

Native biotope

Habitat
Slow streams over sand
Flow
Gentle
Dissolved O₂
Moderate

Aquascape & hardware

Substrate
Fine sand
Hardscape
Driftwood and broad-leaf shade
Plants
Hardy low-light species

Temperament, diet & tankmates

Schooling
Keep bottom stock light — they share one floor
Diet
Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods
Recommended tankmates
  • Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore
Avoid keeping with
  • Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom

Breeding & notes

Sexual dimorphism
Females rounder
Breeding method
Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer

Frequently asked questions

Is Adolf's Catfish easy to keep?

A moderate-level species: peaceful; most activity happens after dark; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.

What temperature and water chemistry does Adolf's Catfish need?

Set the heater to 21–25 °C and avoid swings. pH 6–8, GH 2–25 dGH suit it.

How big does Adolf's Catfish get, and what tank size?

Adults reach 4.9–7.3 cm; it is bottom-dwelling. Plan for at least 64 litres.

What does Adolf's Catfish eat?

Omnivorous scavenger — sinking pellets, frozen and vegetable foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.

Can Adolf's Catfish live with other fish?

Peaceful; most activity happens after dark; keep bottom stock light — they share one floor. Good company: Mid-water schooling fish — Use the space catfish ignore. Keep away from Fast surface feeders — Leave nothing for the bottom.

Where does Adolf's Catfish come from?

Comes from South America: slow streams over sand. Expect gentle and moderate.

How does Adolf's Catfish breed?

Spawning rarely seen; presumed crevice egg-layer. Females rounder.