Elegant Gastrodermus (Gastrodermus elegans)

Remarks: There are many species in the 5th lineage of Corydoradinae (Gastrodermus) that share similar body patterns, such as Gastrodermus elegans, G. napoensis, G. nanus, and G. gracilis. Elegant Gastrodermus are a base color of gold or tan depending on conditions, have two dark horizontal stripes running along their back, and brown striations over their faces and shoulders. Similar to the rest of the species in the 5th lineage of Corydoradinae, they don't have very tall bodies compared to other Corydoradinae species and have lower set eyes. Also unlike most other Corydoradinae, they spend a lot of time hovering under structures rather than on the bottom. They are a smaller species making them a good candidate for smaller South American community tanks. In the wild, elegant Gastrodermus can be found in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru in the Upper Amazon River Basin. It was previously classified as Corydoras elegans, but was reclassified as Gastrodermus elegans upon publication of a phylogenomic analysis in 2024 that reclassified many species in the Corydoradinae subfamily.  Corydoradinae are small, peaceful catfish that are active shoalers and will stay near conspecifics, making for a lovely sight. They feed by searching through sand with their barbels, making such a substrate necessary for their long-term health. Gravel substrates tend to be abrasive and damage the barbels, leading to infections and an inability to find food.   While these friendly catfish are willing to swim with other species of Corydoradinae different from their own, this does not provide the same social need as being kept with members of their own species. Because of this, it is highly recommended to keep at least six of each species of Corydoradinae present in the aquarium and only mix species if one has the space to keep at least six of each.   Corydoradinae are often looked at as "scavengers," but they should be treated in a similar fashion as the rest of your fish. They are omnivores and require a mixed diet. Sinking prepared foods are readily accepted, as are frozen and live foods such as brine shrimp, blackworms, and bloodworms.