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.
Black Fin Cory At a Glance
Black Fin Cory Tank Requirements
Will Black Fin Cory fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Black Fin Cory needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Black Fin Cory against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Black Fin Cory Water Parameters
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Black Fin Cory Temperament & Compatibility
Black Fin Cory Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The standard commercial form, typically sold unsexed. Females are slightly plumper and males may have a more pointed dorsal fin, but their husbandry needs are identical. They must be kept in groups of at least 6 to feel secure and exhibit natural shoaling behavior.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Black Fin Cory Care Guide Summary
The Black Fin Cory, scientifically known as Corydoras leucomelas, 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 Black Fin Cory requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 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 low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Black Fin Cory is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Black Fin Cory is typically available in one standard form.
Black Fin Cory Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Black Fin Cory, a low 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, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat.
Black Fin Cory Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Black Fin 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. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Black Fin Cory Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Black Fin Cory.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 17 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Black Fin Cory
How big does Black Fin Cory get?
Black Fin Cory (Corydoras leucomelas) 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 Black Fin Cory need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Black Fin Cory. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Black Fin Cory need?
Black Fin 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 low water flow is preferred.
Is Black Fin Cory peaceful or aggressive?
Black Fin 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 Black Fin Cory should be kept together?
Black Fin 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 Black Fin Cory have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Black Fin Cory benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), 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 Black Fin Cory
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Black Fin Cory based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Alligator Pleco
Pterygoplichthys scrophus
Ideal Tank MatesGolden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesRamshorn Snail
Planorbidae fam.
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Black Fin Cory
These plants pair well with Black Fin Cory based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Banana Plant
Nymphoides aquatica
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Fish Similar to Black Fin Cory
True Julii Corydoras
Corydoras julii
A highly sought-after, peaceful schooling catfish native to the lower Amazon. They feature distinctive fine black dots on their heads (unlike the reticulated, maze-like lines of the commonly mislabeled 'False Julii', C. trilineatus) and a black-tipped dorsal fin. As obligate bottom-dwellers, they continuously sift through the substrate and strictly require soft sand to prevent erosion and infection of their delicate sensory barbels. They are highly gregarious and must be kept in groups.
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.
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.
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.
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.