A striking and relatively uncommon small Corydoras originating from the blackwater Rio Tiquié in the upper Rio Negro basin. Known for its prominent vertical black bands across a pale tan or golden body. Like all Corydoras, they are completely peaceful, highly social bottom dwellers that must be kept in groups. A fine sand substrate is absolutely critical to prevent damage to their delicate barbels as they constantly sift for food.
Asher Cory At a Glance
Asher Cory Tank Requirements
Will Asher Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Asher Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Asher Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Asher Cory Water Parameters
Asher Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Asher Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The standard form typically sold unsexed in the aquarium trade. Females will become slightly larger and noticeably broader/plumper when mature, while males remain more slender. They must be kept in a shoal of at least 6 to feel secure and exhibit their natural, active foraging behaviors.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Asher, C064, Tukano
Asher Cory Care Guide Summary
The Asher Cory, scientifically known as Corydoras tukano, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 4.5 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Asher Cory requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Asher Cory is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Asher Cory is typically available in one standard form.
Asher Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Asher Cory, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat.
Asher Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Asher Cory is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Asher Cory Is Actually For
Asher Cory is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 6. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Asher Cory like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Asher Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Asher Cory.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Asher Cory
How big does Asher Cory get?
Asher Cory (Corydoras tukano) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 4.5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Asher Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Asher Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Asher Cory need?
Asher Cory thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–28°C, a pH between 5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Asher Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Asher Cory is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Asher Cory should be kept together?
Asher Cory is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Asher Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Asher Cory benefits from sand (sifters) and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- April 29, 2026
- Last updated
- April 29, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Asher Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Asher Cory based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Kabia rainbowfish
Glossolepis kabia
Ideal Tank MatesScissortail Rasbora
Rasbora trilineata
Ideal Tank MatesRosy Red Minnow / Fathead Minnow
Pimephales promelas
Ideal Tank MatesRose Danio
Danio roseus
Ideal Tank MatesSunset Platy (Variatus Platy)
Xiphophorus variatus
Ideal Tank MatesTiger Danio
Devario maetaengensis
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Asher Cory
These plants pair well with Asher Cory based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Asher Cory
Parallel Cory
Corydoras parallelus
A highly sought-after and relatively rare Corydoras species native to the upper Rio Negro basin. They are instantly recognizable by the striking black and white parallel stripes running along their flanks. Like all Corydoras, they are peaceful, strictly bottom-dwelling shoaling fish that must be kept in groups. They require a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate barbels as they forage for food.
Black Fin Cory
Corydoras leucomelas
A peaceful schooling catfish native to the Amazon basin, easily identified by its black dorsal fin and a dark mask-like band across its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are bottom-dwellers that use sensitive barbels to forage. They possess a modified intestine allowing them to gulp atmospheric air, so occasional darts to the surface are normal. They are highly social and require a soft sandy substrate to prevent barbel erosion.
Loxozonus Corydoras (C079/C082)
Corydoras loxozonus
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling catfish native to the Rio Meta basin in Colombia. Known for the distinctive diagonal black stripe across its back and a mask over its eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft, sandy substrate is strictly required to prevent damage to their delicate barbels as they sift for food.
Black Corydoras
Corydoras schultzei
The Black Cory is a striking, deeply melanistic morph of Corydoras schultzei (often confused with C. aeneus). These peaceful, armored bottom-dwellers are highly social and must be kept in large groups to thrive. A soft sand substrate is absolutely critical to prevent damage to their sensitive foraging barbels.
Agassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
A peaceful, bottom-dwelling armored catfish native to the Amazon River basin. They are easily identified by their silvery body with dark spots and a distinct black mask over their eyes. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social and must be kept in groups. A soft sand substrate is absolutely essential to protect their delicate sensory barbels as they forage.
Flagtail Cory (Mrs Schwartz's Cory)
Corydoras robineae
The Flagtail Corydoras is a striking and highly sought-after bottom dweller native to the Rio Negro basin. Characterized by the distinct black and white horizontal stripes on its caudal fin, it requires a soft sand substrate to protect its delicate barbels while foraging. Like all Corydoras, it is a highly social schooling fish and must be kept in groups to feel secure and display natural behaviors.