【Child】Professor, is there a fish that’s like a charmed mix of Cinderella’s transformation and T.S. Eliot’s Prufrock scuttling through the sea?
【Professor】Ah, it sounds like you may be referring to the enchanting Corydoras evelynae. This article will explore their unique characteristics, their natural habitats and how to care for them in an aquarium, their captivating behaviors, breeding techniques, and important cautions to consider when keeping them as pets.
【Child】Could you paint for me a vivid picture of this aquatic Picasso? What do they look like?
【Professor】Certainly! Imagine a canvas scaled to just about 2 to 2.5 inches, with a body gracefully painted in shades of gray and black, resembling an elegant watercolor painting. The Corydoras evelynae has a stout body, a broad head with high-set eyes, and a delicate barbel-adorned mouth, much like an intriguing blend of a catfish and a whimsical fairy.
【Child】Oh, how marvelous! Where would one find these sea sprites in nature’s gallery?
【Professor】Corydoras evelynae inhabit the freshwater streams and tributaries in Peru’s Amazon Basin. They dwell in shallow waters, preferring sandy or muddy substrates, and play a valuable role in their environment by scavenging and controlling organic detritus. To recreate their natural habitat in an aquarium, opt for a gentle water flow, fine-grained substrate, and dim lighting, as if you were setting the stage for a Shakespearean river tale.
【Child】And what do these aquatic angels desire for their ethereal abode? What conditions should I provide in the aquarium?
【Professor】Great question, young art connoisseur! Corydoras evelynae prefer water temperatures between 72°F and 79°F, soft to moderately hard water with a pH of 6 to 8, and a tank size of at least 20 gallons. As for their meals, these little Picassos are not picky eaters and will gladly indulge in sinking pellets, flake foods, and frozen or live treats such as bloodworms and daphnia. Just like a carefully curated art collection, a clean and well-maintained aquarium will keep your Corydoras evelynae in good health.
【Child】Do they dance a nocturnal ballet like creatures of the night or gracefully navigate their watery world like a school of Swifts?
【Professor】Ah, you have a keen eye for aquatic choreography! Corydoras evelynae are social fish and prefer to swim in groups, commonly known as shoals. Like pirouetting underwater acrobats, they often dart to the water’s surface to gulp air, a fascinating trait unique to this genus. They are mostly active during the day, but can sometimes exhibit crepuscular behaviors, performing their movements in the dim light of dusk and dawn.
【Child】In the realm of fish love, how do these underwater Cupids breed and propagate?
【Professor】As if reciting Shakespearean sonnets, the male and female Corydoras evelynae come together for a courtship dance. The female deposits her eggs on plants, decorations, or even the tank’s walls, while the male fertilizes them. To encourage such a performance, you may adjust the water temperature to slightly cooler levels or mimic gentle rainfall with small water changes. It is recommended to separate them from their eggs to prevent any accidental feasting, as if keeping Romeo and Juliet apart.
【Child】Before we reach the final chapter, please pen any cautionary tales we should know about coexistence with other fishes?
【Professor】As our tale unfolds, it is vital to remember that Corydoras evelynae are peaceful fish, best suited for a community aquarium with other non-aggressive species. Be mindful of their sensitive barbels and steer clear of adding sharp or rough decorations, lest they become injured. Think of them like delicate pearls within a diverse aquatic necklace, coexisting harmoniously with their fellow jeweled companions.
【Child】Thank you, Professor, for the enchanting tale of Corydoras evelynae. As I set out to create my own underwater masterpiece, I shall remember their captivating allure and execute my role as a diligent curator.
【Professor】You’re most welcome! The wondrous world of Corydoras evelynae awaits your passionate creativity, and I have no doubt your underwater gallery will become an aquatic haven for these charming fish!