{"product_id":"wild-melini-corydora","title":"Wild Melini Corydora","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Wild Melini Corydoras\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElegant, peaceful, and full of personality, the Wild Melini Corydoras is an exceptional addition to planted aquariums and Amazon biotope displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCorydoras melini\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Melini Corydoras\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRio Negro and Upper Amazon Basin (Brazil and Colombia)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–6 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e75 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5.5–7.2\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1–10 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–10 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted aquariums, Amazon biotopes, and peaceful community tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow many Wild Melini Corydoras should I keep?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild Melini Corydoras are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least \u003cstrong\u003e6\u003c\/strong\u003e, although groups of \u003cstrong\u003e8–10\u003c\/strong\u003e encourage more natural behaviour and confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Wild Melini Corydoras peaceful?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for other South American community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Wild Melini Corydoras eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive on quality sinking pellets, Corydoras wafers, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and other live or frozen foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Wild Melini Corydoras live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Wild Melini Corydoras need sand?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Fine sand is highly recommended as it allows them to forage naturally without damaging their delicate barbels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in small groups\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelini Corydoras are social fish and become shy or stressed when kept in groups smaller than six.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eUsing coarse gravel\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharp gravel can damage their sensitive barbels and reduce their natural foraging behaviour. Fine sand is the preferred substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAssuming they survive on leftovers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey require regular feeding with quality sinking foods and should not rely on uneaten food from other fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWild specimens are particularly sensitive to poor water quality. Stable conditions and regular maintenance are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing them with aggressive fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose peaceful community species that won't harass or outcompete these gentle bottom dwellers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"1","offer_id":48861235085451,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5","offer_id":48861235118219,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/2c7e3ade-0d21-4aac-90a5-4c2256ec4349_11ac631e-9226-47e4-baf5-f1a579662abc.png?v=1786016228","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/wild-melini-corydora","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}