Following the major revision of genus names, only the long-snouted species remain in the “core genus” Corydoras. A very notable species among these “true” Corydoras is C. fulleri, named in honor of the armored catfish specialist Ian Fuller. The official description was not published until 2022, but the species has been known in the hobby for much longer—since 2003. At that time, the species, which had not yet been scientifically described, was assigned the numbers C115 and C116.
This armored catfish is native to Peru, where it is found in the Madre de Dios region near the border with Bolivia. The immense color variability of this species is absolutely unique. At first, it was not recognized that C115 and C116 belonged to the same species, so different do they look. Later, the fish was given additional names by Peruvian exporters: Corydoras sp. “Eder” and Corydoras sp. “Manu,” the latter even subdivided into Manu1, Manu4, Manu7, and Manu8 (the Manu numbers in between referred to other species). Breeding was successfully achieved by 2005 at the latest (https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/10-catfishes/10a-catfishes-corydoras-co/_en-31/, and since then we have known that all color patterns can occur among siblings. Thus, they are all indeed the same species.
Imports from the Madre de Dios region are rare and expensive, which is why we’re delighted to once again be able to offer beautiful captive-bred Corydoras fulleri.
Maximum size: approx. 7–8 cm; Temperature: 22–28°C; pH and hardness: not important for general care (tap water), soft and acidic for breeding; Diet: omnivorous; Social behavior: Keep in a group; peaceful toward other fish.
For our customers: These fish are listed under code 229952 on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesale customers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
