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.
Bandit Cory At a Glance
Bandit Cory Tank Requirements
Will Bandit Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Bandit Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Bandit Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Bandit Cory Water Parameters
Bandit Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Bandit Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard wild-type Bandit Cory. Must be kept in a shoal of 6 or more to prevent extreme stress.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Bandit Cory Care Guide Summary
The Bandit Cory, scientifically known as Corydoras metae, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 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 Bandit 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 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Bandit Cory is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Bandit Cory is typically available in one standard form.
Bandit Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Bandit 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Bandit Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Bandit 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 Bandit Cory Is Actually For
Bandit 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 Bandit 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.
Bandit Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Bandit 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 Bandit Cory
How big does Bandit Cory get?
Bandit Cory (Corydoras metae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Bandit Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Bandit Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Bandit Cory need?
Bandit Cory thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Bandit Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Bandit 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 Bandit Cory should be kept together?
Bandit 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 Bandit Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Bandit Cory benefits from sand (sifters) 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 30, 2026
- Last updated
- April 30, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Bandit Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Bandit 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 Bandit Cory
These plants pair well with Bandit Cory based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Christmas Moss
Vesicularia montagnei
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Fish Similar to Bandit Cory
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 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.
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.
Skunk Cory
Corydoras arcuatus
A charming and peaceful bottom-dwelling catfish native to the Amazon basin, easily identified by the dark, skunk-like stripe running from its mouth along the ridge of its back to its tail. Like all Corydoras, they are obligate shoaling fish that require a group of conspecifics to feel secure. Fine sand substrate is mandatory to prevent damage to their delicate sensory barbels.
Leopard Cory
Corydoras leopardus
A peaceful, highly social bottom-dwelling catfish known for its striking leopard-like spots and elongated snout. Unlike many fish, Corydoras require fine sand substrate to prevent severe damage to their delicate sensory barbels. They are obligate shoaling fish and must be kept in groups of at least 6 to feel secure and display natural continuous foraging behaviors.
Schwartz's Cory
Corydoras schwartzi
A peaceful and active bottom-dwelling catfish native to the Purus River basin in Brazil. Identifiable by its striking pattern of black horizontal stripes and a tall dorsal fin. Like all Corydoras, they are highly social shoaling fish that must be kept in groups and require a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels.