BANDIT CORYDORAS

Bandit Corydoras (Corydoras metae), also known as the Masked Corydoras due to the distinctive black stripe that runs through their eyes like a bandit’s mask, are a popular and peaceful freshwater catfish. They are loved by aquarists for their active behavior, ease of care, and compatibility with community tanks. Here's a comprehensive care guide for Bandit Corydoras:

Tank Size and Setup

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended for a small group of Bandit Corydoras. Since they are social fish that prefer to live in groups, keeping at least 5-6 individuals is ideal. A larger tank is better for more stable water conditions and for housing a larger school.
• Substrate: Use a soft, sandy substrate to mimic their natural environment and protect their sensitive barbels. Avoid sharp or coarse gravel that can damage their barbels and underbellies.
• Plants and Decor: Include live plants like Java fern, Anubias, or Amazon swords to provide cover and create a natural habitat. Plants help reduce stress and offer areas for exploration. Adding driftwood, smooth rocks, and caves will provide hiding spots and break up the line of sight, reducing stress.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable for Bandit Corydoras. They prefer subdued lighting, so having floating plants or areas of shade can help them feel more secure.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 72-78°F (22-26°C). Bandit Corydoras thrive in these stable, tropical temperatures.
• pH: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is best, with a general hardness (GH) of 2-12 dGH.
• Water Quality: Bandit Corydoras are sensitive to poor water conditions, so regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are essential. Keep ammonia and nitrite levels at 0 ppm and nitrate levels below 20 ppm. A good filtration system is crucial to maintain water quality.

Feeding

• Diet: Bandit Corydoras are omnivores and have a varied diet. Provide them with high-quality sinking pellets or tablets formulated for bottom feeders as their staple diet.
• Live/Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and microworms. These foods enhance their coloration and provide essential nutrients.
• Vegetable Matter: Occasionally provide blanched vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or cucumber to add variety to their diet.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed Bandit Corydoras once or twice daily, providing only what they can consume in a few minutes. They are natural scavengers and will forage for food in the substrate.