Albino Corydoras

Looks how to spot one

scales

The Albino Corydoras has a pale pinkish-orange or pinkish-white body with bright red eyes, caused by a complete lack of pigment. It has a typical catfish shape with a flattened belly, a rounded head, and three pairs of barbels around the mouth. The body is covered in two rows of bony plates (scutes) rather than scales, giving it an armoured appearance.16

Personality what they are like

Very peaceful and shy. They are social fish that do best in groups and rarely show aggression toward tank mates. They spend most of their time foraging along the bottom.25

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Low to moderate. They are active bottom-dwellers that enjoy exploring the substrate and resting in shaded spots. They need a tank with soft sand or smooth gravel to protect their barbels, and plenty of hiding places such as driftwood, caves, and plants.24

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Easy. Regular water changes and a clean substrate are important. Avoid sharp gravel that can damage their barbels. Provide dim lighting or floating plants to reduce stress from bright light, as albino fish are more sensitive to light.46

Home where they are happiest

Tank size: minimum 15 gallons for a school of 6. Temperature: 21-27°C (70-81°F). pH: 5.5-8.0. Soft to moderately hard water. Substrate: fine sand or smooth gravel. Provide plenty of cover with driftwood, rocks, and plants. Floating plants help diffuse light, which is especially important for this albino variety.254

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivorous bottom feeder. Staple diet: high-quality sinking pellets or wafers. Supplement with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia 2-3 times per week. They also scavenge leftover food and decaying plant matter.762

Company who they like around

Highly social and must be kept in groups of at least 4-6 individuals. They are peaceful and can be housed with other small, non-aggressive community fish. They may prey on very small dwarf shrimp but are safe with larger invertebrates.258

The story where it all began

The Albino Corydoras is not a wild species but a selectively bred colour variety of the Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus). It was developed decades ago in the aquarium trade by breeding individuals with a genetic mutation that causes albinism, resulting in a complete lack of pigment. This gives the fish its characteristic pale pinkish-white body and red eyes. The variety has since become one of the most popular and widely available corydoras in the hobby. The Bronze Corydoras itself is found across much of South America, from Colombia and Trinidad down to Argentina and Uruguay.142