Product Details

Rochai Aspidoras – Aspidoras rochai

The Rochai Aspidoras is a small, peaceful armoured catfish related to Corydoras, but belonging to its own genus, Aspidoras. Often recognised as the Guaramiranga Cory, this species is a charming bottom-dweller for mature aquariums with soft sand, clean water and calm tank mates. It is best kept in groups, where its active foraging and social behaviour can be seen properly.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Rochai Aspidoras
Other Names: Guaramiranga Cory, Aspidoras Catfish, Rochai Cory, Loach Catfish
Scientific Name: Aspidoras rochai
Fish Type: Cory-type Catfish / Callichthyid Catfish
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Aspidoras rochai is a South American freshwater catfish from Brazil, with the Guaramiranga common name referring to its Ceará type locality. It is associated with inland freshwater habitats where small armoured catfish forage along the bottom for tiny foods among sand, fine debris, leaf litter and plant cover.

In the aquarium, this species should be kept in a mature setup with soft sand or very smooth fine substrate, shaded cover, clean water and gentle to moderate flow. It should not be treated as a general scavenger for new or dirty aquariums.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Rochai Aspidoras have a small, armoured catfish body with a downturned mouth, sensory barbels and a neat patterned appearance. The body is typically pale, beige or greyish with darker mottling, spotting or broken markings. Compared with many Corydoras, Aspidoras often appear slimmer and more delicate, with a smaller head and active, darting movement.

Adults usually reach around 4–4.5 cm, making this a small catfish that still needs floor space and group keeping. Females are usually fuller-bodied when mature, while males are often slimmer.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is best suited to mature peaceful community aquariums, small catfish displays and planted tanks with calm companions. It is a good choice for aquarists who enjoy Corydoras-type behaviour but want something less common and more specialist.

Rochai Aspidoras are not suitable for sharp gravel, aggressive cichlid tanks, large predators, boisterous bottom feeders, immature aquariums or setups with poor water quality. They should not be sold as a clean-up fish and must receive their own sinking foods.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a small group, with a tank length of at least 60 cm recommended. Larger aquariums of 75–90 litres or more are preferred for bigger groups and mixed communities.

Keep in a group of at least 6, with larger groups preferred where space allows. Like Corydoras, Aspidoras are social catfish and become more confident, active and natural when kept with their own kind.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 21–26°C
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Keep water clean, stable and well oxygenated. Avoid sharp substrates, high nitrate and sudden changes in water chemistry. Soft sand is strongly recommended to protect the barbels and allow natural foraging.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Rochai Aspidoras are peaceful bottom-dwelling community fish. Suitable tank mates include small peaceful tetras, rasboras, small danios, Ember Tetras, Neon Tetras, pencilfish, small livebearers in compatible water, Otocinclus, small peaceful plecs and other calm community fish.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, rough bottom dwellers and very boisterous feeders that may outcompete them. They should not be kept singly or in pairs, as this can make them shy and reduce natural behaviour.

Feeding:

Rochai Aspidoras are omnivorous bottom feeders and need a varied sinking diet. Offer fine sinking catfish pellets, soft micro granules, small bottom-feeder tablets and crushed wafers as the staple diet. Supplement with small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, finely chopped bloodworm and small tubifex.

They will search the substrate for food, but they must not be expected to survive on leftovers. Feed after lights dim or use targeted feeding if faster midwater fish take food first.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species spends much of its time foraging over the substrate, moving through plants and resting under cover. In a proper group, Rochai Aspidoras are social and active, often moving together in short bursts as they search for food. Like other callichthyid catfish, they may occasionally rise to the surface to gulp air, which is normal behaviour.

They are egg-laying catfish and do not guard their eggs. Spawning may occur in well-conditioned groups, especially after good feeding and clean, stable water changes.

Care Notes:

Add Rochai Aspidoras only to a mature, fully cycled aquarium. Use soft sand or very smooth fine substrate, maintain clean water and provide shaded resting areas with plants, wood or leaf litter. Keep them in a proper group and make sure food reaches the bottom.

A secure lid is recommended, as small active catfish can jump or squeeze through gaps, especially when startled. Avoid copper-based medications unless confirmed safe for catfish, and quarantine new arrivals where possible.

Recommended For:

Intermediate

Availability:

Occasional / Specialist import or captive-bred when available

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, spotting, mottling, body shape and markings can occur between individual fish.