Description

 

🐟 Smudge Spot Corydoras (Similis Corydoras) – Elegant, Peaceful Bottom Dweller

The Smudge Spot Corydoras (Similis Corydoras), scientifically named Corydoras similis, is a beautiful and peaceful catfish species treasured for its subtle smudged black markings across a light body. This active bottom dweller thrives in community tanks, adding both visual charm and beneficial substrate cleaning.

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🌿 Quick Overview

• Scientific Name: Corydoras similis
• Common Names: Smudge Spot Corydoras, Similis Cory
• Origin: South America (Amazon Basin)
• Size: 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches)
• Lifespan: 4–6 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, social, active
• Minimum Tank Size: 60L (15 gallons)
• Temperature: 22–26°C
• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.5
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

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✨ Key Features

• 🎨 Distinctive Smudged Markings: Soft black smudges and spots create an elegant pattern on a light-colored body
• 🧹 Active Substrate Forager: Constantly searches the substrate for food, helping keep the tank clean
• 👯 Schooling Behavior: Thrives in groups of 6 or more, displaying natural and social behaviors
• 🌿 Plant-Friendly: Peaceful and gentle, suitable for planted community tanks
• 🧰 Hardy & Easy to Maintain: Great choice for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike

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🧠 Care Guide

✅ Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect delicate barbels
• Decor: Provide hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, and dense plants
• Filtration: Moderate flow with good oxygenation
• Lighting: Moderate to low light to replicate natural habitat

✅ Feeding:

• Diet: Omnivorous—sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and vegetable matter
• Feeding Tips: Feed 1–2 times daily, with emphasis on sinking foods for bottom feeding
• Note: Varied diet supports health and vibrant coloration

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Behavior & Compatibility

• Peaceful, social species ideal for community tanks
• Schooling fish—keep in groups of at least 6 for optimal wellbeing
• Compatible with tetras, rasboras, small gouramis, and peaceful shrimp
• Avoid aggressive or large predatory species

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🧩 Ideal Tank Mates

Compatible Species	Notes
✅ Neon & Cardinal Tetras	Peaceful mid-level swimmers
✅ Ember Tetras	Small, gentle schooling fish
✅ Dwarf Gouramis	Calm, colorful top dwellers
✅ Amano & Cherry Shrimp	Safe and beneficial for algae control
❌ Avoid large or aggressive fish

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🧪 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–26°C
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: < 20 ppm
• Water Changes: Weekly 20–30% recommended

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🌟 Why Choose Smudge Spot Corydoras (Similis)?

With its elegant smudged markings and peaceful nature, the Smudge Spot Corydoras (Similis) makes a captivating and functional addition to your aquarium. Its active foraging helps maintain substrate cleanliness, while its schooling behavior brings lively movement to the tank bottom.

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✅ Ethically sourced & healthy
✅ Beginner-friendly and low maintenance
✅ Perfect for community and planted tanks

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🐟 Corydoras Mixing Compatibility Guide

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✅ Best Compatible Cory Combinations

Combo	Why It Works
Smudge Spot (Similis) + Peppered	Similar size, temperament, and water parameter preferences
Smudge Spot (Similis) + Albino	Peaceful and similar schooling behavior
Smudge Spot (Similis) + Three-lined	Compatible sizes and gentle temperament
Smudge Spot (Similis) + Rust Corydoras	Similar peaceful nature and moderate temperature needs
Smudge Spot (Similis) + Bronze	Both active bottom dwellers that enjoy similar habitat setups
Pygmy Cory + Smudge Spot (Similis)	Smaller and medium species mix well if ample space and hiding spots provided

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🧠 Tips for Mixing Smudge Spot Corydoras with Others

• ✅ Keep groups of at least 5–6 per species (Pygmy Corys prefer 8–10+) for natural schooling and stress reduction
• ✅ Maintain consistent water parameters: 22–26°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard water
• ✅ Use soft sand substrate to protect delicate barbels
• ✅ Provide plenty of plants, caves, and driftwood to offer hiding spots and territories
• ✅ Feed sinking pellets and varied diet ensuring all species get enough food

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⚠️ Avoid Mixing Cautions

Avoid Mixing With	Reason
Large aggressive or territorial fish	May bully or harm peaceful Corys
Corydoras species with significantly different size or temperament	Stress and competition for food
Fish preferring much higher/lower temperatures than Similis Cory	Different optimal environments cause stress

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💡 About Smudge Spot Corydoras (Similis Corydoras)

• 🐾 Medium-sized (~5–6 cm), peaceful, and social bottom dweller
• 🎨 Distinguished by smudged black spot markings on pale body
• 🌡 Thrives in temperatures from 22–26°C and soft to moderate water hardness
• 👯 Best kept in groups to encourage natural schooling and reduce stress

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🧩 Suggested Tank Pairings Including Smudge Spot Corydoras

Tank Setup	Recommended Mix
Moderate Community Tank	Smudge Spot + Peppered + Albino + Rust Corydoras
Planted Community Tank	Smudge Spot + Three-lined + Bronze + Pygmy Corydoras
Nano or Small Tanks	Pygmy Cory + Smudge Spot (if space allows)
Beginner-Friendly Tank	Albino + Smudge Spot + Bronze + Peppered

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