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.
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Asher Cory Water Parameters
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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.
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
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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.
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.
Flyspeck Hardyhead
Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum
Ideal Tank MatesBanded Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia trifasciata
Ideal Tank MatesBalloon Molly
Poecilia latipinna hybrid
Ideal Tank MatesAxelrod's Rainbowfish
Chilatherina axelrodi
Ideal Tank MatesArfak Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia arfakensis
Ideal Tank MatesLemon Tetra
Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis
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
Bandit Cory
Corydoras metae
A highly social, peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish endemic to the Rio Meta basin in Colombia. Instantly recognizable by the black 'bandit' mask over its eyes and the dark ridge stripe along its back. Like all Corydoras, they must be kept on a soft sand substrate to prevent severe damage and infection to their sensitive foraging barbels. They are schooling fish that require groups of at least 6 to thrive and display natural behavior.
Bronze Corydoras
Corydoras aeneus
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish known for its armor-like scales (scutes) and active bottom-feeding behavior. They are essential clean-up crew members but require a dedicated sinking diet (not just leftovers). Sand substrate is strictly required to prevent erosion and infection of their sensitive barbels. They are 'gut breathers' and will occasionally dart to the surface to gulp atmospheric air.
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
One of the smallest Corydoras species, the Pygmy Cory is a true nano fish. Unlike most of their bottom-dwelling cousins, Pygmy Corys are famous for hovering and schooling in the mid-water area. They are extremely peaceful but very shy, requiring a proper school to feel secure. A soft sand substrate is absolutely required to protect their delicate barbels.
Julii Corydoras (False Julii)
Corydoras trilineatus
Often sold in the aquarium trade as the 'Julii Cory', the False Julii (Corydoras trilineatus) is a peaceful, highly social bottom-dweller. It features a distinct reticulated (maze-like) pattern on its head and a prominent horizontal stripe down its body. As an obligate schooling fish, it must be kept in groups to thrive and feel secure. A soft sand substrate is absolutely critical to prevent the erosion of their sensitive foraging barbels.
Peppered Corydoras
Corydoras paleatus
One of the most popular and hardy Corydoras species. Notably, they prefer cooler water temperatures than most tropical fish. They are peaceful, bottom-dwelling schooling fish that use their sensitive barbels to sift through the substrate for food. They must be kept in groups to thrive.
Panda Corydoras
Corydoras panda
A highly popular, peaceful schooling catfish easily identified by its black eye patches and spotted dorsal/tail fins, resembling a giant panda. Native to the cooler waters of the Ucayali river system in Peru, they require slightly lower temperatures than many standard tropical community fish. They are strict bottom-dwellers that sift through the substrate for food.