Ornate cory
📖 Overview
Ornate cory (Corydoras ornatus), first described by Nijssen & Isbrücker, 1976 is a tiny fish in the family Callichthyidae (order Siluriformes). Adults typically reach 4.90 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Callichthyidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Ornate cory is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Ornate cory is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
The female holds 2-4 eggs between her pelvic fins, where the male fertilizes them for about 30 seconds. Only then the female swims to a suitable spot, where she attaches the very sticky eggs. The pair repeats this process until about 100 eggs have been fertilized and attached .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; demersal; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 2 - 25. Tropical; 23°C - 26°C South America: Lower Tapajós River basin in Brazil.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Ornate cory is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Ornate cory is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Ornate cory has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Ornate cory.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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