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About the Wild Melini Corydoras

The Wild Melini Corydoras is a stunning and highly sought-after South American catfish, admired for its elegant cream to golden body, bold black lateral stripe, and distinctive black dorsal "mask" that extends through the back. Wild-caught specimens often display richer colours, sharper markings, and a more natural appearance than captive-bred fish, making them especially desirable for collectors and aquascaping enthusiasts.

Native to the Rio Negro and upper Amazon River systems of Brazil and Colombia, Wild Melini Corydoras inhabit soft, acidic blackwater streams with sandy substrates, leaf litter, and submerged tree roots. In the aquarium, they are peaceful schooling fish that constantly sift through the substrate in search of small invertebrates and leftover food.

Wild Melini Corydoras thrive in mature planted aquariums with fine sand, driftwood, Indian Almond Leaves, and gentle water movement. They should always be kept in groups of at least six, where they display natural shoaling behaviour and become far more confident. Their peaceful nature makes them excellent companions for Cardinal Tetras, Rummy Nose Tetras, Pencilfish, Apistogramma, Rams, Hatchetfish, and other South American community species.

A varied diet of quality sinking pellets, Corydoras wafers, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other protein-rich foods will maintain excellent health and vibrant natural colouration.

Elegant, peaceful, and full of personality, the Wild Melini Corydoras is an exceptional addition to planted aquariums and Amazon biotope displays.

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Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Corydoras melini

Common Name

Wild Melini Corydoras

Origin

Rio Negro and Upper Amazon Basin (Brazil and Colombia)

Adult Size

5–6 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

75 Litres

Temperature

24–28°C

pH

5.5–7.2

Water Hardness

1–10 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Lifespan

8–10 Years

Suitable For

Planted aquariums, Amazon biotopes, and peaceful community tanks

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Wild Melini Corydoras should I keep?

Wild Melini Corydoras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 6, although groups of 8–10 encourage more natural behaviour and confidence.

Are Wild Melini Corydoras peaceful?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for other South American community fish.

What do Wild Melini Corydoras eat?

They thrive on quality sinking pellets, Corydoras wafers, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other live or frozen foods.

Can Wild Melini Corydoras live with shrimp?

Yes. They are completely peaceful with adult Cherry Shrimp, Amano Shrimp, and other dwarf shrimp species. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten but are generally ignored.

Do Wild Melini Corydoras need sand?

Yes. Fine sand is highly recommended as it allows them to forage naturally without damaging their delicate barbels.

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Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Melini Corydoras are social fish and become shy or stressed when kept in groups smaller than six.

Using coarse gravel

Sharp gravel can damage their sensitive barbels and reduce their natural foraging behaviour. Fine sand is the preferred substrate.

Assuming they survive on leftovers

They require regular feeding with quality sinking foods and should not rely on uneaten food from other fish.

Poor water quality

Wild specimens are particularly sensitive to poor water quality. Stable conditions and regular maintenance are essential.

Housing them with aggressive fish

Choose peaceful community species that won't harass or outcompete these gentle bottom dwellers.