Synonyms: None

Type Locality: Creek into Rio Ipixuna, 7°31'S, 63°16'W, 30 km west of Humaitá, Rio Purus system, Amazonas, Brazil.

Size: 75mm SL

Identification: Corydoras are identified by their twin rows of armour plates along the flanks and by having fewer than 10 dorsal fin rays. They are most commonly confused with the other genera in the sub-family, namely Brochis, Scleromystax and Aspidoras. C. narcissus is the long snouted ''version'' of C. arcuatus and is readily identifiable by this characteristic. Two species exist that are commonly sold as C. narcissus. The real one is longer (the ratio of body height to length being significantly different), has a more pronounced concave head and a slightly darker basic colouration. The other, shorter fish is currently undescribed but can sometimes be labelled under the common name of mega narcissus or narcissus II.

General Remarks:

Feeding: All prepared foods and frozen foods especially bloodworm and brineshrimp. Adults gorge on chopped mussel.

Furniture: A little shading helps makes the fish feel at home. Sandy substrate brings out the best in these fish although because of the large size of the adult fish small pea gravel can also be employed.

Compatibility: Peaceful and not anti-social with other catfish excepting occasional quarrels with it's own species. Youngsters appear sociable to each other but become quarrelsome with age. Rival adult males may bully each other to death if kept in too small an aquarium.

Tankmates: South American dwarf Cichlids, larger Characins such as Silver Dollars (Metynnis spp.) are ideal although medium sized Central American Cichlids and Asian anabatids are good alternatives if your are not a biotope purists.

Registered Keepers: None. Add this species to your "my fish" page.

Sexing: Female larger and stouter especially when viewed from above. Male has more pointed fin tips.

Breeding: Unknown

Breeding Reports: None.

See also the Corydoras narcissus page on PlanetCatfish.com.

Last Update: 2006-11-28 06:44:50 (species record created: 2001-04-30 00:00:00)