Aspidoras rochai - Aspidoras rochai

Aspidoras rochai (Aspidoras rochai)

Aspidoras rochai is a small, peaceful South American armoured catfish with a neat spotted and striped pattern, active foraging behaviour and a sociable nature. Often referred to as the Rochai Aspidoras or Guaramiranga Cory, it is an excellent choice for mature planted community aquariums where a smaller, more delicate bottom-dwelling catfish is desired. Like Corydoras-type catfish, it should be kept in groups and provided with soft substrate, clean water and gentle tank mates.

Common Name:
Rochai Aspidoras, Guaramiranga Cory, Aspidoras Catfish, Dwarf Cory-type Catfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Aspidoras rochai

Maximum Size:
Up to around 4.4 cm.

Water Type:
Freshwater

Origin / Natural Habitat:
South America, specifically coastal rivers in Ceará State, north-eastern Brazil, with the type locality recorded from Guaramiranga. It naturally occurs in tropical freshwater habitats where it forages close to the substrate.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 21–25°C
pH Range: 6.0–7.5
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; up to around 14 dGH.

Temperament:
Peaceful and sociable. This is a gentle catfish that should be kept with similarly peaceful fish. It is not aggressive, but it can be outcompeted by very boisterous feeders or stressed by large, territorial tank mates.

Diet:
Omnivorous bottom-feeder. Offer fine sinking catfish pellets, micro granules, crushed wafers, frozen or live daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, small bloodworm and other suitably sized foods. Ensure food reaches the bottom, as Aspidoras should not be expected to survive only on leftovers.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 60 litres is recommended for a group, with a longer footprint preferred over a tall aquarium. Larger aquariums are better for mixed community setups.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active bottom-level forager that spends much of its time searching sand, leaf litter and open substrate for small foods. It is best kept in groups of at least 6, with 8 or more preferred for confidence and natural behaviour. Like many small callichthyid catfish, it may occasionally dart to the surface to gulp air, so leave clear surface access.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with small peaceful tetras, rasboras, pencilfish, small livebearers, dwarf cichlids with care, shrimp-safe community fish and other calm species. Avoid aggressive cichlids, large predatory fish, fin-nippers, very boisterous bottom feeders or any fish large enough to swallow it.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide soft sand or very smooth fine gravel to protect the barbels and underside. Add plants, leaf litter, small caves, bogwood and shaded areas for security. Keep water clean and well oxygenated with regular maintenance, as small catfish do poorly in neglected or unstable aquariums. A secure lid is recommended, as Aspidoras can be surprisingly good at finding gaps when startled.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Wild-caught or specialist import where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.