Corydoras

freshwater fish · South America · bottom-dwellers

Armoured like knights. Corydoras have bony plates covering their bodies instead of scales, which protects them as they dig around in the sandy river bottom.

South American natives. These fish live in rivers and streams across South America, from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains all the way to Argentina, but you won't find them in Panama.

Bottom feeders. Corydoras spend most of their time on the river floor searching for tiny food bits and algae, which helps keep their habitat clean.

Popular in aquariums. People love keeping corydoras in home fish tanks because they're peaceful, interesting to watch, and help keep the tank clean by eating leftover food.

Picky about location. Different species of corydoras live in specific areas of South America, which makes each one special to its own river or region.