guppy fry

[panboy]

what is wrong with pebbles? i have 2 cories in a 10g with pebbles, and they are doing fine? do pebbles hurt them somehow? pebbles are a little bit smaller than a 1 cm cubed

 

[Inchworm]

Hi panboy

If the substrate is to large for the corys to easily move around when they are seeking food, it could erode their barbels. Here is a link to a picture of a cory with damaged barbels:

http/fish.orbust.net/forums/index.php?ac...ST&f=22&t=23267

In this post, the member bought the fish in that condition so we do not know what the cause was. It might have been poor water conditions. But, barbels are sensory organs that help them find their food, and it is a major problem if they lose them.

Your 1 cm pebbles is a little less than 1/2" in US measurement. I have a similar sized substrate in my frog tank and would not use it for my corys. IMHO, it is too large. But if you are aware of what can happen, and keep alert to spot this kind of damage if it begins, you are that much better off.

Perhaps, if in the future, you decide to change your substrate, or start a new tank, you will keep this in mind.

 

[panboy]

yeah, thanks for the info. his barbells look big and healthy, but ill keep those in close check for the future.

 

[panboy]

i was reading stuff about corys and gravel, and they say as long as it is smooth.
i have smooth gravel, and was trying to think even if they were really large but smooth, wouldnt they stll be ok?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi panboy

Please read this article. It explains how catfish lose their barbels and what kind of substrate is best for them. I consider this source one of the best when it comes to this kind of information.

http/www.planetcatfish.com/core/