Also called bandit catfish or cory, this species is native to the Meta River Basin in Columbia. They are a small (~1.5 inches), peaceful, bottom feeding fish and are popular with aquarists. The bandit cory, like other corydoras species has specialized fin rays that are rigid, sharp, and can be locked into position as a defense against predators.
Undersea Conversations…
While it isn’t obvious, fish have ears, and are able to communicate to one another through sounds. They don’t have vocal chords, but instead vibrate their swim bladders, producing popping, grunting, moaning, barking, or chirping noises. While some species of fish, like the goldfish, are silent listeners, there are over 1000 species that are known to vocalize, and some, like the gurnard who are veritable chatterboxes. While we can’t have a conversation with them - at least not yet - it is theorized that they do it to attract mates, frighten away predators or competitors, to synchronize mating, call for help and warn others, or to orient themselves.
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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
