Corydoras are bottom-feeding omnivores and should receive purposefully delivered sinking food rather than being expected to live on scraps. Quality sinking pellets, wafers and tablets can form the staple, with foods such as frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp or daphnia used for variety. Feed where the group can forage without being crowded out by faster midwater fish.
One of the most common Corydoras feeding mistakes is assuming that anything reaching the substrate is enough. In a busy community, very little may survive the feeding frenzy above.
Best staple foods
- Complete sinking pellets sized for small catfish.
- Sinking wafers or tablets designed for omnivorous bottom feeders.
- Soft gel foods that stay available long enough for the group to graze.
Useful variety foods
- Frozen bloodworms in sensible portions.
- Frozen or live daphnia.
- Brine shrimp and other suitably sized invertebrate foods.
- Quality community foods that sink into the lower water column.
Feed after the surface rush if needed
If tetras, barbs or livebearers intercept everything, offer Corydoras food after the main feeding or after lights dim. Place food in more than one area so dominant individuals cannot guard one spot.
Watch the group feed periodically rather than assuming every fish gets an equal share.
Do not overfeed to compensate
Adding huge amounts so some food reaches the bottom creates unnecessary waste. Use targeted sinking food instead.
Check the substrate for uneaten food and adjust portions according to how quickly the group finishes.
Frequently asked questions
Can Corydoras live on leftover flakes?
No. They should receive deliberate sinking food that meets their nutritional needs.
Do Corydoras eat algae wafers?
They may eat them, but a varied omnivorous sinking diet is more appropriate than relying on one algae wafer.
Should Corydoras be fed at night?
They can feed during the day, but evening feeding may help in tanks where faster fish dominate meals.
Sources and further reading
This guide separates general aquarium arithmetic from fish-welfare decisions. For species-specific limits, always check the needs of the fish you intend to keep.