Weitzman's cory, Corydoras weitzmani

Ian Fuller looks at the beautiful Corydoras weitzmani, a rarely seen catfish from Peru.

Common name: Weitzman's Cory

Scientific name: Corydoras weitzmani

Origin: Peru, Ro Madre de Dios Drainage.

Water: A species that it tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but ideally the water provided should be soft and slightly acidic. pH 5.5 - 7.0 Hardness, dGH 2 - 12

Size: The holotype measures 46.1 mm SL; aquarium specimens would be expected to grow to 50.mm SL for males and up to 55.0 mm SL for females

Aquarium: An aquarium set up for this species would be considered a standard arrangement for most corydoradine species. A standard 24" x 12" x 12" well-planted aquarium would be ideal to house a group of six specimens. A fine smooth grained substrate, preferably fine sand, a few large pebbles and pieces of bogwood would complete the set up.

Diet: In nature these fish will feed on small insect larvae, shrimps, crustaceans and the minute organisms that can be found living in the bio film that forms on submerged surfaces. In aquaria they will accept flake, tablet, and frozen foods. Live foods such bloodworm, white worm, Tubifex or Daphnia would help to keep this fish in tiptop condition.

Notes: Described in honour of Dr Stanley Weitzman by Dr H. Nijssen in 1971, this species had until recently avoided re-discovery, the main reason for this being that in the original description the type locality was given as Peru, Est. Cuzco, at Cuzco, this would have been the highest altitude (around 3350 metres), of any know Corydoradinae species. The first specimens to reach the aquarium trade were imported into Japan and reportedly changed hands for more than 200.00

Identification: An easily recognisable species with a golden light tan body with four large distinctive black blotches. One forming a band vertically across the eye, the second and largest is in the centre of the body below the dorsal, with the third slightly smaller above the second and reaching into the dorsal fin. The forth is on the caudal peduncle.

Availability: Imported by Pier Aquatics, Wigan, Lancashire, (01942-2366617).

Price: 24.00