Photo: karsten_s (CC BY 4.0) — via Wikimedia Commons
Narcissus II Cory (Corydoras bethanae)
A slender, long-snouted Peruvian cory with a bold black dorsal stripe — the rare sibling of the classic Narcissus Cory.
Will it live with a Narcissus II Cory?
We compare each fish against your narcissus ii cory on temperament, size, water parameters and swimming zone. Set your tank size and filter the results.
- Adolf's Cory✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 5.5 cm · Medium care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Adolf's Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Agassiz's Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Agassiz's Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Black Skirt Tetra✅ CompatibleSemi-aggressive · 6 cm · Easy care · 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
- Peaceful + Semi-aggressive, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Black Skirt Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Blackline Rasbora✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Blackline Rasbora in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Blood Red Tiger Pleco✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Medium care · 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Bloodfin Tetra✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 5.5 cm · Easy care · 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Bloodfin Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Butterfly Hillstream Loach✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Hard care · 18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Desert Goby✅ CompatibleSemi-aggressive · 6 cm · Easy care · 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Diamond Tetra✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Both are peaceful, and their water overlaps around 22–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Diamond Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Duplicareus Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 5.5 cm · Medium care · 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- Both are peaceful, and their water overlaps around 23–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Duplicareus Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Eastern Betta✅ CompatibleSemi-aggressive · 6 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Peaceful + Semi-aggressive, but with no direct clash here; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Elegant Cory✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Elegant Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- False Julii Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep False Julii Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Glass Bloodfin Tetra✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–26 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Glass Bloodfin Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- GloFish Tetra✅ CompatibleSemi-aggressive · 6 cm · Easy care · 21–28 °C (70–82 °F)
- Peaceful + Semi-aggressive, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 22–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep GloFish Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Guppy✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Both are peaceful, and their water overlaps around 22–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Hillstream Loach✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Hard care · 20–24 °C (68–75 °F)
- Both are peaceful, and their water overlaps around 22–24 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Neon Dwarf Rainbowfish in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Odessa Barb✅ CompatibleSemi-aggressive · 6 cm · Easy care · 20–26 °C (68–79 °F)
- Peaceful + Semi-aggressive, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 22–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Odessa Barb in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Panda Loach✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Hard care · 18–23 °C (64–73 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Peaceful Betta✅ CompatibleSemi-aggressive · 6 cm · Medium care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Peaceful + Semi-aggressive, but with no direct clash here, and their water overlaps around 24–26 °C — no size, zone or temperament conflicts.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Pearl Danio✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 20–25 °C (68–77 °F)
- Compatible on the things that matter: shared water near 22–25 °C, workable temperaments, and no predator-and-prey size gap.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Pearl Danio in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Platy✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 6 cm · Easy care · 21–28 °C (70–82 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Rust Corydoras✅ CompatiblePeaceful · 5.5 cm · Easy care · 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- Both are peaceful; temperature, pH and hardness ranges all overlap and neither outsizes the other enough to be a threat.
- Both favour the bottom of the tank — offer enough cover so they aren't always in each other's space.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Rust Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- African Butterfly Cichlid⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 8 cm · Medium care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Amano Shrimp⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 5 cm · Easy care · 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- Adult Amano Shrimp might survive with Narcissus II Cory, but expect the young to be eaten — plant heavily.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Amazon Puffer⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 8 cm · Medium care · 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~120 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Amazon Puffer in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Ash Lipped Apisto⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 7 cm · Hard care · 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Black Ruby Barb⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 6 cm · Easy care · 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~100 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Black Ruby Barb in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Bleeding Heart Tetra⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 7 cm · Medium care · 23–28 °C (73–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Bleeding Heart Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Bright Diamond Tetra⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 7 cm · Hard care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Bright Diamond Tetra in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Buenos Aires Tetra⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 7 cm · Easy care · 18–26 °C (64–79 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Buenos Aires Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Colombian Tetra⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 6.5 cm · Easy care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~114 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Colombian Tetra in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Dwarf Chain Loach⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 6 cm · Medium care · 24–29 °C (75–84 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Dwarf Chain Loach in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Ghost Shrimp⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 4 cm · Easy care · 18–28 °C (64–82 °F)
- Narcissus II Cory may eat Ghost Shrimp or pick off its shrimplets — a densely planted tank with moss gives them a fighting chance.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Ghost Shrimp in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Humpbacked Tetra⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 5 cm · Hard care · 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Humpbacked Tetra in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Melon Barb⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 7 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Melon Barb in a shoal of 8+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Morse Code Corydoras⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 5 cm · Medium care · 23–26 °C (73–79 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Morse Code Corydoras in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Rounded Filament Barb⚠️ With cautionPeaceful · 7 cm · Medium care · 22–27 °C (72–81 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~80 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Rounded Filament Barb in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Tiger Barb⚠️ With cautionSemi-aggressive · 7 cm · Easy care · 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~95 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Tiger Barb in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Discus⛔ Not recommendedPeaceful · 20 cm · Hard care · 28–31 °C (82–88 °F)
- Temperature needs don't overlap (Narcissus II Cory 22–26 °C vs Discus 28–31 °C).
- Your 75 L tank is below the ~200 L this pairing really wants — crowding raises aggression.
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- Keep Discus in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
- German Blue Ram⛔ Not recommendedPeaceful · 6 cm · Hard care · 27–30 °C (81–86 °F)
- Temperature needs don't overlap (Narcissus II Cory 22–26 °C vs German Blue Ram 27–30 °C).
- Keep Narcissus II Cory in a shoal of 6+ or it gets stressed and nippy.
Compatibility is computed from each species' care data — a strong starting point, not a guarantee. Individual temperament varies, so always introduce new fish slowly and watch them.
Narcissus II Cory care specs
- Care level
- Medium
- Breeding
- Hard
- Max size
- 5.5 cm (2.2 in)
- Min tank size
- 60 L (15.9 gal)
- Temperature
- 22–26 °C (72–79 °F)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Hardness
- 2–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Group size
- 6+ (shoaling)
- Family
- Callichthyidae
- Origin
- Peru — Blanco and Ucayali river basins (Peruvian Amazon)
What is a Narcissus II Cory?
The Narcissus II Cory (Corydoras bethanae) is a slender, long-snouted armoured catfish from the Peruvian Amazon, formally described as a distinct species in 2021 after years of circulating in the hobby under the code name CW6. It tops out at around 5.5 cm (2.2 in) and carries one of the more striking patterns in the genus: a pale, flesh-toned body bisected by a bold black arc that sweeps from the snout tip, rises through the dorsal fin and tapers toward the caudal peduncle. The stripe stops short at the eye — the key visual difference from its close relative Corydoras narcissus, in which the same band continues to wrap over the snout tip.
Because formal description was recent, C. bethanae remains genuinely uncommon in the trade and commands higher prices than everyday cory species. It is a rewarding choice for the experienced hobbyist willing to meet its specific water and social requirements.
Where does the Narcissus II Cory come from?
Wild Corydoras bethanae inhabit the Blanco and Ucayali river basins of the Peruvian Amazon — two relatively clear-water tributaries that drain through lowland forest before joining larger Amazonian systems. These streams are characteristically soft, slightly acidic and warm, with sandy or fine-sediment beds shaded by dense riparian vegetation. The water is stained amber to clear depending on season and location, carrying little dissolved mineral content.
Understanding this origin is the key to good husbandry. The species evolved in stable, predictable conditions, so dramatic swings in water chemistry or temperature are poorly tolerated. Most specimens in the hobby are wild-caught imports, which means they may have experienced the stress of collection and transport; a careful acclimation protocol and clean, appropriately soft water make a significant difference to long-term survival.
What size tank does the Narcissus II Cory need?
A minimum of 60 litres (16 gallons) is needed to house the mandatory social group of six or more fish. That said, a longer tank footprint matters more than raw volume: Corydoras bethanae is an active bottom forager that patrols in loose formation, and a tank with at least 80 cm (31 in) of floor length gives the group proper room to move. A standard 90 cm (36 in) community tank at 80–100 litres (21–26 gallons) is a comfortable practical choice.
Fine sand substrate is non-negotiable. The elongated, sensitive barbels are the fish’s primary foraging tool; coarse gravel or sharp substrate erodes and infects them rapidly, often leading to permanent disfigurement. Pool-filter sand, fine play sand or dedicated aquarium sand all work well. Decor should include flat smooth stones, driftwood pieces and dried leaf litter to create resting patches and visual breaks. Floating plants or a dense canopy reduces light intensity at the substrate level and encourages the group to forage openly during the day.
Filtration should provide gentle circulation — a sponge filter or an internal filter with a spray bar aimed at the back wall keeps water clean without blasting the bottom-dwellers with turbulent flow.
What water parameters does the Narcissus II Cory need?
- Temperature: 22–26 °C (72–79 °F). Keep it stable; this is a cooler-end tropical range compared to many community fish.
- pH: 6.0–7.5. Soft, slightly acidic water is ideal; neutral is acceptable.
- Hardness: 2–12 dGH — soft to moderately soft.
Weekly water changes of 25–30% keep nitrate low and replenish minerals without shocking the fish. If your tap water is hard and alkaline, consider blending it with reverse-osmosis water to reach the soft end of the range. Test regularly; C. bethanae is more sensitive to parameter drift than hardier cory species such as C. paleatus or C. sterbai.
What do Narcissus II Corys eat?
Corydoras bethanae is an omnivore that feeds primarily at the bottom. In practice, a good staple is sinking wafers or pellets formulated for bottom feeders, supplemented three to four times per week with frozen or live foods: bloodworm, daphnia, tubifex and brine shrimp are all accepted enthusiastically. Small, sinking protein foods encourage natural foraging behaviour and visibly improve colouration and condition.
Do not rely on the assumption that cories will clean up leftover food from other fish — that approach leads to malnutrition. Feed at lights-out or shortly before, when the group is most active, and size portions so that food is consumed within a few minutes. Remove any significant uneaten food after half an hour to protect water quality.
How do Narcissus II Corys behave, and what are good tank mates?
This species is fully peaceful and poses no threat to any tank mate. It is, however, more reserved and skittish than common cory species, and groups of fewer than six rarely settle — fish tend to hide, refuse to forage openly and show chronic stress. A group of six to eight allows the social hierarchy to establish naturally and produces the relaxed, active behaviour the species is known for.
Good tank mates share the same soft, warm, gentle-current water requirements and occupy upper or mid-water levels to leave the bottom to the cories. Small to medium tetras (cardinal, rummy-nose, ember), dwarf cichlids that tolerate soft water (apistogramma pairs), hatchetfish and peaceful rasboras are all compatible choices. Avoid large, boisterous cichlids, fin-nippers and any species that will compete aggressively for bottom space.
For a full compatible species list, see Narcissus II Cory tank mates.
How do you tell male and female Narcissus II Corys apart?
Sexing C. bethanae follows the standard cory pattern but requires a settled, well-fed group. Females are broader across the belly and slightly larger overall; this difference becomes unmistakable when a female is conditioning for spawning and her abdomen becomes noticeably swollen with eggs. Males are slimmer and typically a touch smaller. The distinction is clearest when looking at the fish from directly above — the female’s wider midsection is obvious in dorsal view. Ventral sexing is harder at the 5.5 cm (2.2 in) adult size, so overhead observation is the practical approach.
Can you breed Narcissus II Corys?
Breeding is rated hard and is not recommended as a first cory breeding project. In the wild the species likely spawns in response to seasonal cool-water influxes, so the most reliable trigger in captivity is a gradual temperature drop of 3–4 °C combined with slightly softer water introduced through a series of cooler partial water changes over several days.
When ready to spawn, males pursue a receptive female in the classic cory T-position, after which the fertilised eggs are deposited individually on glass, plants or flat surfaces. Eggs number in the dozens per spawn. Remove eggs to a well-oxygenated hatching container, as adults and other tank mates will eat them. Fry are small at hatching and should be started on infusoria or commercial fry foods before graduating to micro-worms and finely crushed flake. Maintaining excellent water quality through the fry stage is critical, as C. bethanae fry appear less robust than those of commonly bred species.
What diseases are common in Narcissus II Corys?
The most significant health concern for this species is barbel erosion and infection — caused almost entirely by sharp substrate, accumulated waste in the substrate, or high nitrate levels. Switching to fine sand and maintaining low nitrate through regular water changes prevents the majority of cases.
Beyond barbel issues, corydoras are generally susceptible to ich (white spots) and columnaris (white cottony patches, often stress-related), both of which appear most often after transport stress or when water conditions deteriorate. Fungal infections can colonise any existing wounds, so keeping the tank clean and preventing physical injuries is the best preventive strategy.
Wild-caught imports should be quarantined for at least four weeks before joining an established community, watching for signs of internal parasites (hollow belly despite feeding, wasting).
Health note: this profile covers prevention and identification only. Before treating any sick fish, confirm symptoms against a reputable veterinary or aquatic-health source — the wrong medication at the wrong dose can harm the remaining fish and destroy beneficial bacteria.
How long do Narcissus II Corys live?
With appropriate care, Corydoras bethanae lives 5–8 years. The lower end of that range is commonly seen in fish kept in suboptimal conditions — hard water, sharp substrate or small, isolated groups. Fish maintained in soft, warm water, on fine sand, in groups of six or more and fed a varied diet reliably reach the upper end of the range. Because most available specimens are wild-caught, establishing them through the critical first few months in captivity is the single biggest factor in realising a long, healthy lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
How is Corydoras bethanae different from Corydoras narcissus?
C. bethanae is slightly smaller (to about 5.5 cm), more flesh-coloured, has a transparent rather than dark dorsal spine, and its dorsal band terminates at the eye rather than wrapping over the snout. The two are easily confused in the trade but are distinct described species.
What substrate does the Narcissus II Cory need?
Fine, smooth sand is essential — this species forages by pressing its sensitive barbels into the substrate. Sharp gravel quickly damages the barbels, leading to infection and permanent disfigurement. Pool-filter sand or aquarium-specific fine sand are ideal choices.
What you need to keep a narcissus ii cory
The baseline is a heated, filtered 60 L+ tank: a reliable heater to hold 22–26 °C (72–79 °F), a gentle filter that won't batter a narcissus ii cory in the current, and a tight-fitting lid. Cycle the tank fully before adding any fish.
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