Cory cat

[cocoa_pleco]

personally, ive had luck with gravel. i bred albinos 5 years ago, and i had 30 in a tank with gravel long term, all had full barbels

however, they do prefer sand, easier to sift through

[Evil Slimy]

I know. I have and still do keep them on gravel successfully as well. I'm not arguing that. I'm looking at the picture.

[fishbum]

Wow,comparing emeralds and peppers,boy have you taught me a lesson!

[Evil Slimy]

I'm sorry, but the picture you posted looks like an unhealthy cory to me. I'm not trying to teach you a lesson and the specie has nothing to do with what I am trying to explain. I'm not going to bother arguing semantics.

[fishbum]

It is 3 years old,exactly what about it looks unhealthy to your expert eye?Besides its "stick" barbells?

[fishbum]

The emeralds I have in gravel substrate have longer barbells than my peppers.Different species does make a difference,btw

[fishbum]

I'm sorry, but the picture you posted looks like an unhealthy cory to me. I'm on trying to teach you a lesson and the specie has nothing to do with what I am trying to explain. I'm not going to bother arguing semantics.

When did I ask you to "teach" me anything?

[Evil Slimy]

It was a typo. I meant I am NOT trying to teach you a lesson.

[fishbum]

It was a typo. I meant I am NOT trying to teach you a lesson.

that is what the edit is for....................

[Evil Slimy]

I thought you were posting pictures for us to comment and I did. Apologies for the typo. I edited the original post.
Sorry you did not like what I said about the picture. To answer your questions, your cory is 3 years old. It has at least 7 to go, and many more in it's natural lifespan. Stubby barbels, bent dorsal fin, mis-shaped eye are not signs of a healthy cory.