Lacerda Cory C015
Scleromystax lacerdai
A rare and beautiful bottom-dweller endemic to coastal Brazilian streams (Bahia). Unlike typical tropical Corydoras, it is a temperate/sub-tropical species that requires cooler water (20-25°C). They are highly sexually dimorphic and must be kept on a soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels.
Lacerda Cory C015 At a Glance
Lacerda Cory C015 Tank Requirements
Will Lacerda Cory C015 fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Lacerda Cory C015 needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Lacerda Cory C015 against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Lacerda Cory C015 Water Parameters
Lacerda Cory C015 Temperament & Compatibility
Lacerda Cory C015 Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Juveniles and unsexed individuals generally sold in the hobby. They share a peppered, broken pattern. Must be kept in a group of 6+ to ensure they feel secure and can establish natural social dynamics.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Juvenile Lacerda, Unsexed C015
Male
Mature males develop a striking bright gold horizontal stripe above a dark lateral band, and their snout appears more elongated. Males become highly territorial and aggressive towards each other during breeding. Keeping 1 male per tank (with a harem of females) is strongly recommended.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Lacerda Cory, Male C015
Female
Females are slightly larger, wider-bodied, and retain the peppered juvenile pattern. They are entirely peaceful and multiple females should be kept for every male to disperse any breeding harassment.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Lacerda Cory, Female C015
Lacerda Cory C015 Care Guide Summary
The Lacerda Cory C015, scientifically known as Scleromystax lacerdai, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 6 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 Lacerda Cory C015 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 20°C and 25°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Lacerda Cory C015 is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Lacerda Cory C015 Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Lacerda Cory C015, 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, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat.
Lacerda Cory C015 Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Lacerda Cory C015 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.
Who Lacerda Cory C015 Is Actually For
Lacerda Cory C015 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 Lacerda Cory C015 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.
Lacerda Cory C015 Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Lacerda Cory C015.
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
Show 14 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Lacerda Cory C015
How big does Lacerda Cory C015 get?
Lacerda Cory C015 (Scleromystax lacerdai) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 6 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Lacerda Cory C015 need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Lacerda Cory C015. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Lacerda Cory C015 need?
Lacerda Cory C015 thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 20–25°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Lacerda Cory C015 peaceful or aggressive?
Lacerda Cory C015 is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 2 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Lacerda Cory C015 should be kept together?
Lacerda Cory C015 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 Lacerda Cory C015 have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Lacerda Cory C015 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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 6, 2026
- Last updated
- May 6, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Lacerda Cory C015
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Lacerda Cory C015 based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Banded Gourami
Trichogaster fasciata
Ideal Tank MatesSpotted Hillstream Loach
Gastromyzon punctulatus
Ideal Tank MatesZebra Apple Snail
Asolene spixi
Ideal Tank MatesTrapdoor Snail
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Ideal Tank MatesSnowball Shrimp
Neocaridina cf. zhangjiajiensis var. white
Ideal Tank MatesWhite Cheeked Goby
Rhinogobius duospilus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Lacerda Cory C015
These plants pair well with Lacerda Cory C015 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 Lacerda Cory C015
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.
Hi Fin Peppered Cory
Scleromystax macropterus
A spectacular armored catfish native to the fast-flowing, cool-water streams of southern Brazil. Unlike most tropical catfish, it strictly requires sub-tropical temperatures (16-23°C) and high dissolved oxygen. Frequently confused with 'long-fin' mutations of the standard Peppered Cory (C. paleatus), this is a naturally occurring, highly sexually dimorphic species.
Prionotos Cory (Scleromystax)
Scleromystax prionotos
A distinctive, elongated cory-type catfish from the cooler coastal rivers of southeastern Brazil (Mata Atlântica). Unlike many tropical Corydoras, it requires cooler, highly oxygenated water. They are facultative air breathers and will occasionally dart to the surface. It is vital to keep them on a soft sand substrate to prevent severe damage to their sensory barbels.
Bearded Cory
Scleromystax barbatus
A large, striking, and somewhat atypical relative of standard Corydoras. Native to the highly oxygenated, cooler coastal streams of Brazil, they require sub-tropical temperatures and will stress or die in standard tropical tanks. They exhibit strong sexual dimorphism. Highly social, they must be kept on a soft sand substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
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.
Dainty Cory (Salt and Pepper Cory)
Corydoras habrosus
A true dwarf Corydoras species, the Dainty Cory (Corydoras habrosus) is a highly active, peaceful bottom dweller. Unlike the Pygmy Cory (C. pygmaeus) which frequently swims in the mid-water column, the Habrosus stays true to typical Corydoras behavior by constantly sifting the substrate. They must be kept on fine sand to protect their delicate barbels and require a school of at least 6 to feel secure.