Bottom Dwellers, Scavengers, Algea Eaters

[soritan]

I've read some conflicting vitals on the Schwartzi Cory -- that they only get to 1.5", and that they get to 3"... anyone know which is the more true stat?

Would I be able to put a small shoal of 3 or so in my 10gal (pretending that there's NOTHING in it but shrimps)? Or are they roaming sort? I've read of people keeping a single Schwartzi in with other cories, and I've seen it recommended to keep at least 6-12 of them to keep them happy...

Advice is greatly appreciated. Most google/forum searches churn up fairly small amounts of info on this particular cory, which leads me to believe that Schwartzi care is nothing terribly different from standard corydoras....

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I've seen schwartzi corys ranging between 2 and 3inchs long, which is quite normal and similar to the growth of albino corys- male corys will always grow smaller/shorter than female corys because female corys generally have to have the ability to hold many eggs. If you have a 10gal with nothing but shrimps and has little decor/most of the tank is open space then a group of 3-4 schwatzi corys should be fine as long as they is somwhere in the tank that provides shelter out of the glare of the tank lights for them to chill out in during the day as corys are mainly nocturnal in nature.
Because all corys are peaceful sociable fish that like to be in groups the minimum for any cory group is 3-4 corys of the same species/type, although if your tank has the surface area the more the better, but personally i would only 3 schwartzi corys in your tank unless you go for some very small growing species of cory like panda or pygmy corys .

 

[soritan]

Thanks. Yeah, I thought about as much (what you said).

I was sort of cheering for the 1.5" max size, I really like the look of 'em, and someone in town has a shoal they're selling for $9 a fish. They've had 'em for at least a month now, with no takers, so when I go to their shop they look quite happy and acclimated.

I'll probably wind up getting Ottos or Dwarf Cories, with my tank size. I don't mind, I just thought Schwartzis were neat.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi soritan

If your tank is well planted, it limits the number of corys you can keep in it because they need a fair amount of bottom space to move around and dig in.

 

[soritan]

That's a good point. Sounds like ottos might be what I'm looking for, then.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi soritan

Yes, otos might work out best for you. They are not always easy to find, and when you do they are often in poor condition. Why not start another thread to ask about what to look for when you are buying them?

 

[soritan]

I would, but my LPS doesn't let you select a fish you want. You walk in, say, "I'd like one pepper cory," and they go in and get you one.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi soritan

I don't know where you live, but that doesn't sound like a very good lfs. Even if you have to travel a distance, it will be worth your while to find a better one.

Live creatures are not like items stocked on a shelf. You have every right to choose what you are buying, and in fact, it's your responsibility to make certain the fish you are going to add to your tank are healthy. That is a very strange policy they have.

 

[soritan]

A good LPS is about an 8 hour flight away from here. I actually do buy fish and misc when I travel, but it's nice to buy them locally, because then they're already acclimated to my water chemistry. You also have the pleasure of 'immediate satisfaction', when you buy locally. I do buy most, if not all, my hardware in the continental USA, though.

I toted a betta fish with me on my last trip yonder, and he fared really well. I think I'll do it again next time, with more fish. I was shocked when I saw the prices. Shipping really kills ya. It was my first try and carrying-on fish, I wasn't sure I'd get away with it, and I did. Score, I'll do that again next time.

Part of why I liked the Schwartzis so much, is I know they've been 'on the shelf' for at least a month, possibly two. They're very well adjusted little fish.

I don't think Cories are for me, though, if they require a lot of bottom space. Most of my tank is very cave like, nook-ish, and planted. Not much room for a Corry to zoom around in.

I should change the topic title, this isn't about Schwartzis anymore, it's me saying 'woe'.