Corydoras Loxozonus
Corydoras Loxozonus inhabits in nature in the basin of the Rio Meta River flowing in Colombia.
Corydoras Loxozonus has an elongated body with a fine mottled dark color. From the root of the dorsal plumage to the tail plumage runs a relatively wide black stripe. The same stripe runs vertically through the fish's eyes and along the upper edge of the dorsal fin. The pectoral fins are transparent. As with most corydoras, the easiest way to determine gender is to look at them from above. Females are noticeably rounder and larger than males, especially during the spawning period. The maximum size of fish 5 cm.
These corydoras catfish with a peaceful and playful nature. Keep them in a common aquarium with other peace-loving and not very big fish. Good neighbors in the aquarium are small haracinids, carps, dwarf cichlids and other peaceful catfish. Always try to contain Loxozonus coridoras in groups of at least 6 individuals. In this case, the fish will be less fearful and show more natural behavior. Also, when selecting neighbors to the corydoras you need to consider the lower water temperatures preferred by this species.
Keep Corydoras Loxozonus should be kept in an aquarium of 80 liters or more. As a substrate, it is desirable to use fine river sand. At the bottom you need to place snags and flat stones, and the perimeter of the aquarium densely planted with plants. On the surface of the water to place several bushes of floating plants.
Water parameters: temperature 21-24° C, hardness dH 2-12°, acidity pH 6,0-7,2. Necessary filtration, increased aeration and weekly substitution of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh. It is desirable to be conscious of the aquarium water flow, for example, by directing the withdrawal nozzle water filter along the back wall of the aquarium.
The fish menu in the aquarium consists of most sinking dry food in the form of flakes and pellets, as well as small live and frozen Artemia nauplii, bloodworms, and finely chopped earthworms. Feed the fish twice a day.
Reproduction
For breeding Coridoras Loxozonus use the spawning tank of about 20 liters without substrate, or with it (sand, fine gravel). The water temperature is 24 ° C, pH 7.0.
In the spawning tank placed producers in the ratio of 2 males to 1 female. Pisces begin to abundantly feed a variety of foods. When females noticeably rounded abdomen need to make a large (50-70%) water change with fresh more cool. These actions should be repeated daily until the females begin to spawn.
Females lay eggs on the aquarium glass, often in places where there is water flow. Immediately after spawning the producers should be removed, otherwise they may eat their eggs.
Larvae hatch after 3-4 days and the first 2-3 days feeding on substances located in their yolk sacs. Starter feed for fry is "live dust", and a little later Artemia nauplii. Feed the fry 4 times a day. Fry are less susceptible to disease if they are kept in an aquarium with a sandy substrate.
The life expectancy of Corydoras Loxozonus under aquarium conditions is about 8-10 years.
