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.
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Bandit Cory Water Parameters
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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.
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
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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.
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.
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 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
Asher Cory
Corydoras tukano
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.
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.
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.
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.
Striped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
A highly robust, armored catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Famous for their ability to produce audible squeaking or grunting sounds when distressed or defending territory. They are nocturnal scavengers that spend most of the day hiding in driftwood or caves. Note: Their rigid pectoral spines can easily become tangled in standard aquarium nets.
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.