Bandit Cory

Description

Bandit Cory (Corydoras metae)

The Bandit Cory (Corydoras metae), sometimes known as the Meta Cory, is a peaceful South American catfish named after the distinctive black marking that runs across the eyes like a mask. A second dark marking runs along the back towards the tail, contrasting beautifully against their pale body colour.

Like most Corydoras, Bandit Corys are highly social fish and should never be purchased simply as a solitary “clean-up fish”. They are at their best when kept in a proper group, where they become much more confident and display the fascinating social and foraging behaviours that make Corydoras such popular aquarium fish.

Bandit Cory Set Up

A soft, fine sand substrate is highly recommended for Bandit Corys. They spend a considerable amount of time searching the bottom of the aquarium for food, pushing their snouts into the substrate and using their sensitive barbels to investigate anything edible.

Smooth décor, bogwood and plants can be used to provide shaded areas and places to rest, while leaving plenty of open substrate available for the group to forage together.

Good water quality is important and the aquarium should be well established before introducing them. Although Corydoras will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, repeatedly doing so can be an indication that something within the aquarium needs investigating.

Behaviour

Bandit Corys are peaceful, sociable fish that become considerably more interesting when kept in a good-sized group. We recommend keeping at least six, although larger groups are even better where aquarium space allows.

Much of their day is spent foraging across the substrate together. Individual fish will often wander away from the group before suddenly rejoining their companions, and it isn’t unusual to see several Corys resting together underneath a piece of wood or amongst plants.

One of their more unusual behaviours is making rapid trips to the surface before immediately returning to the bottom. Corydoras are capable of taking atmospheric air at the surface and absorbing oxygen through a specialised section of their intestine. An occasional dash to the surface is therefore completely normal behaviour.

They can also become surprisingly energetic, particularly after a water change or when food enters the aquarium, with the entire group suddenly becoming much more active.

Tank Mates

Bandit Corys are excellent community fish and can be kept alongside most peaceful species that share similar water requirements.

Tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful dwarf cichlids, smaller rainbowfish and many livebearers can all make suitable companions. They are particularly well suited to South American community aquariums alongside peaceful tetras and dwarf cichlids.

Avoid large predatory fish or particularly aggressive bottom dwellers that may continually harass them.

Feeding

Despite their reputation as aquarium scavengers, Corydoras require proper feeding and should never be expected to survive solely on food that other fish happen to miss.

A quality sinking catfish pellet or wafer should form the basis of their diet, supplemented with live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brineshrimp, daphnia and other suitably sized foods.

We recommend feeding at least some food specifically to the bottom of the aquarium and checking that the Corys are getting their fair share, particularly when they are kept with fast or enthusiastic feeders.

Why We Recommend Bandit Corys

Bandit Corys are one of our favourite Corydoras for peaceful community aquariums. Their striking black mask makes them instantly recognisable, while their relatively small size means a proper group can be accommodated without requiring an enormous aquarium.

More importantly, they’re simply entertaining fish to keep. A group constantly rummaging through sand, interacting with one another and suddenly becoming excited at feeding time adds activity to an area of the aquarium that can otherwise feel relatively empty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Bandit Corys should I keep?

We recommend keeping at least six Bandit Corys together. They are highly social fish and generally become more confident and active when kept in a proper group. If aquarium space allows, an even larger group can be fantastic to watch.

Do Bandit Corys need sand?

We strongly recommend it. Corydoras naturally spend a large proportion of their time sifting through substrate in search of food, and fine sand allows them to display this behaviour properly without damaging their sensitive barbels.

Do Bandit Corys clean the aquarium?

Not really. They will happily eat suitable foods that reach the bottom, but they aren’t a substitute for aquarium maintenance and shouldn’t be purchased simply to eat leftovers.

Corydoras need to be deliberately fed just like every other fish in the aquarium.

Why do my Corydoras keep swimming to the surface?

Corydoras can breathe atmospheric air and occasionally make a rapid trip to the surface to take a gulp before returning to the substrate. Seeing this from time to time is perfectly normal.

If they are doing it excessively, however, we would check water quality, temperature and oxygen levels to make sure there isn’t an underlying problem.

Are Bandit Corys suitable with dwarf cichlids?

Generally, yes. They can make excellent companions for peaceful dwarf cichlids. Some care is required when cichlids are breeding, however, as Corydoras aren’t particularly respectful of territories and may repeatedly wander into an area being defended by a breeding pair.

Can Bandit Corys damage their barbels?

Yes. Their barbels are delicate and can become damaged through unsuitable substrate or poor conditions around the bottom of the aquarium. Fine, clean sand and good aquarium maintenance are therefore strongly recommended.

Are Bandit Corys suitable for beginners?

Yes. Provided they are kept in a mature aquarium, in a proper group and given appropriate food and substrate, Bandit Corys make an excellent choice for newer fishkeepers.

If you have any questions about keeping the Bandit Cory, please contact us and a member of our team will be able to advise you.

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